Totally ''Wicked''

Ed and Karen Lavender Clough threw a "Wicked" party at their Gaffney home and invited 10 of their close friends to share in the fun.

One of the most "Wicked" parties ever was given recently by Ed and Karen Lavender Clough at their home in Gaffney.

The concept of having a "Wicked" party all began after the family had returned from a trip to New York where they saw the Broadway show "Wicked." The story is based on the best-selling novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire. The $14 million production grossed $56 million dollars in its first year and has broken records for the highest weekly box office gross in Broadway history, earning $1,610,934. Camping out on the streets of New York for these tickets was not uncommon.

Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Their friendship struggles through their opposing personalities and viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, their reactions to the Wizard's corrupt government, and, ultimately, Elphaba's public fall from grace.

The plot is set mostly prior to Dorothy's arrival from Kansas, and also includes several references to well-known scenes and dialogue in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.

Mrs. Clough purchased tickets last year for this year's performance of the show at Oven's Auditorium in Charlotte after she joined as a subscriber and was entitled to advance ticket purchases. It wasn't as easy to convince some of her friends to join her for the performance, but that didn't dampen her enthusiasm. She along with the help of her husband, Ed, and daughters, Madeline and Gillian, threw a "Wicked" party that brought the crowd together and gave them a preview of what to expect.

Each guest had been provided a portfolio with pictures and a description of the characters. Lavender provided guests with a CD of the songs and together this allowed them time to become acquainted with the production.

Wicked-themed prizes ordered especially for the party were awarded to those who came prepared with some "Wicked" knowledge of the musical. With Mrs. Clough's ability to create a gourmet feast and talent for throwing theme parties, she entertained her friends with food, Ozmopolitans and "Wicked" party games.

Mrs. Clough's enthusiasm for the performing arts will be put to good use, as she has recently been appointed to the Gaffney Little Theatre Board of Directors.

Attending the "Wicked" party were Gwen Randolph of Greenville, Larry Hayes of Taylors, Cathy Ruppe of Cowpens, Ann Patterson of Spartanburg, Rachel Owens of Shelby, Rick and Joyce Garner of Pacolet, Lisa Robinson, and Bill and Tedi Gibbons of Gaffney.