Dayton Daily News

By Amelia Robinson, Staff Writer Updated 1:01 AM Wednesday, February 17, 2010

DAYTON — Downtown is going green, and the reason is “Wicked.”

From bulbs twinkling in Main Street trees to lights on the top of the CareSource building, downtown Dayton will turn green in hopes that the hit Broadway show about a green witch pumps money into area businesses.

The coordinated effort includes discounts at downtown and Oregon District restaurants and hotels in support of the musical opening today, Feb. 17, at the Schuster Center, said Kristen Wicker, special projects coordinator for the Downtown Dayton Partnership.

“We are going to have a lot of people coming to downtown, many for the first time,” she said. “We really wanted to make it seem festive.”

Wicker said the coordinated approach will be repeated for other high-profile events.

Based on a projection from the Americans for the Arts, the Victoria Theatre Association estimates that theatergoers will spend $1.6 million at restaurants and on souvenirs, parking and lodging.

Victoria Theatre spokeswoman Diane Schoeffler-Warren said the show will attract near sellout crowds — a total of about 55,000 people — over its three-week run.

Schoeffler-Warren said “Wicked” will be one of the biggest shows at the theater since “Phantom of the Opera” opened there in 2003.

“It is a huge thing for the downtown economy and Dayton economy,” she said.

More than a dozen businesses will offer show-related specials and discounts for ticket holders. For example, Inn Port Bed and Breakfast Suites, 22 Brown St. and 137-139 Brown St., will offer a “Wicked-Suite” deal — $20 off stays in two of its suites.

Inn owner Leslie Gonya said the “Wicked” promotions organized by the Downtown Dayton Partnership give her business the ability to promote locally. She said many who live in the suburbs are unaware of the many amenities available downtown.

“We have such treasures in the Schuster Center and the Victoria Theatre,” she said.