Photo Coverage: Wicked's Friendship Garden with Bette Midler

New York's Wicked hosted "Wicked Day" on Sunday, October 28. In partnership with the New York Restoration Project, Wicked has restored a public community garden at West 150th Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Upper Manhattan.  NYRP Founder and Chairwoman Bette Midler hosted the opening ceremony, featuring a performance by the cast and a free block party for the community and Wicked fans.

"The Friendship Garden" is a shared commitment to keeping New York City's neighborhoods green. The free block party included games, giveaways, and a costume contest, plus special exhibits with tips on how to live a greener life.  The opening ceremony was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Designed by Wicked associate set designer Edward Pierce, "The Friendship Garden" is a public green oasis in one of New York City's underserved neighborhoods.  The garden features elements inspired by Wicked, including a yellow brick road and likenesses of the musical's characters, as well as flexible space for use by the neighborhood and the New Heights Academy, a charter school adjacent to the garden.

Photos by Jason A. Specland