Q: Take me through memory lane of 2003, when the pre-Broadway edition of 'Wicked' was held within San Francisco. What comes to mind when you relive those Bay Area days?

A: I have worked on many shows around that area. Some years back, we undertook our first stage version production of "The Prince of Egypt" at Theatre Works. And currently, that will be opening in the early part of London next year. Therefore I am used to organizing tryout shows there.

I love to work there because of the sophisticated nature of the audience. I also think the Bay Area audience do give responses that are analogous when compared to that of the audiences in New York. So I want to believe New York is a great place for upcoming shows.

I have actually discovered their critical community to be absolutely helpful, in aggregate. Consider all the entry reviews – whether it is "Wicked" or "Prince of Egypt" the bulk of the reviews seem to be very helpful regarding exposing areas where some improvements were needed in the show.

Q: So, you welcomed those inputs and effected some modifications to "Wicked"

A: If I remember vividly, I guess we opened ("Wicked") around May and played a bit of it in May and the other in June. As at that time we were privy of a 3 months hiatus prior to resuming New York rehearsal. In those 3 months, my collaborator (Winnie Holzman) and I executed some revisions on the show as judged by our lessons from the tryout production.

Q: So, Wicked was really shaped by the Bay Area.

A: Of course. I equally feel it was the same with "The Prince of Egypt" as well, which would be executing its first real production within London. That way, we would tell if the audiences in London will have similar responses to those in the Bay Area.

Q: Was there any time in the course of the San Francisco tryout where you thought "Wicked" could become something extraordinary?

A: it was when the third preview was over and there was high tension within the creative group, which was normal for the newly created musical. If not for anything, we were operating for too long and had need for cutting down the running time to bring the curtain down by 11 p.m.

The creative team was boxed in in a contentions meeting. Tempers and emotions were going up a bit. I can remember exiting the meeting since I wanted to access the theater for some work with Stephen Oremus, musical director. As I emerged close to the theater, I saw a big crowd at the theater's surrounding. It thought there had been some kind of automobile accident or something like that, with one person getting hurt. It was when I finally reached the theater I found out it was the box office line.

So by the time we have passed three previews, it began to dawn on me, that this could be a really big hit.

Q: 16 years down the line and it is still strong.

A: We're still performing in London and New York. Plus our regular tour since we are coming back to the Bay Area. Therefore, we are still going together out there.

Q: What would you say is responsible for the continuing success of Musical?

A: I think the story' great appeal come from its two aspects. One centers on the Elphaba. Because she is an outcast and someone that loves to be accepted and then finally learns of the consequence of such action and eventually takes another choice route.

I assume that the character's strength has appealed to several audiences.

The next I suppose is the core relationship that exist between Glinda and Elphaba, and that friendship type, which apparently is not without various rocky points along the course of its trajectory. The connection in that friendship equally speaks volumes to audiences regarding their real life relationships.

Q: And it did not matter that you made headline with the initial cast that featured Idina Menzel playing Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth playing Glinda)

A: We were quite fortunate in putting out cast together. Apparently, Kristen and Idina progressed to other bigger projects that are still on till today. Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero is a fantastic voice as well as somebody who advanced to so many acclaims. And also our supporting cast. We had unique, strong pop voices which helped in giving the audience what they wanted and ensuring that much buyers.

Q: There is speculation that Wicked is about to be produced as a movie. What's up with that rumor?

A: We are on course for working on the screenplay as well as figure out the story can be told cinematically. However, we have been having so much fun experiences with that. It is very exciting, as you can rightly tell. I assume we are edging closer to that stage where a real movie preproduction can be possible.

Q: I am elated regarding the cast to be.

A: Me also. I don't have any clue to be honest.

Q: Any target for the movie to hit the theaters in 2012?

A: I guess that is the date in sight. However, I am not sure about movie timing to tell if that will be possible or not.