How to see the new ‘Wicked’ movie early — for good

“Wicked: For Good,” the second part of the film adaptation of beloved musical “Wicked,” is one of the most anticipated films of the year.

It officially debuts on Friday, though many theaters are offering Thursday evening screenings. But if even that’s too far off, you’ve got one more option.

Harkins Theatres Camelview at Fashion Square 14 is hosting several screenings of “Wicked: For Good” on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in a benefit for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Tickets are $100 each and include a preshow cocktail or mocktail, photo ops, free popcorn and a “Wicked”-themed goody bag to take home. There are still tickets left for the 8 p.m. screening.

The event is hosted by the Corporate Executive + Champion Council, a philanthropy group of Phoenix Children’s, and all proceeds benefit the hospital’s Behavioral Health Program.

Jordan Olstead, Phoenix Children’s corporate development officer, says that the Behavioral Health Program is “a critical initiative.”

“In 2023 alone, 54 children ages 17 and under died by suicide in our state,” she adds. “That’s an increase from previous years. These numbers are representative of why we do the work that we do and why it’s so urgent.”

Part of the program involves incorporating mental health screenings into regular care.

“It’s helping us to reduce the stigma on mental health; to us, mental health is the same as physical health, so we treat it just the same as we would a physical illness and look at it with the same urgency and compassion,” Olstead says.

A similar benefit was held last year for the release of the first “Wicked” film, and Olstead says this year’s event is on track to be even more of a help.

“We doubled the attendees from last year already, so we’re anticipating a big turnout. There’s been a great response in terms of sponsorships and in terms of individual ticket sales, and everyone seems to be very, very excited.”