This wasn’t just a regular performance by a special cast, though — it included never-before-seen scenes and songs, taken from a rough draft of the musical’s first act, and it all benefited Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project, which works toward creating clean, green areas in all of New York’s neighborhoods. The special show was subtitled The Yellow Brick Road Not Taken.

Ashanti was able to bring a unique perspective to her role as Elphaba — she has also played Dorothy. And while Ashanti brought her beautiful voice with her, not all of the performers were quite so vocally talented. Wendt, who played the Wizard, got credit from the audience for trying, while Behar didn’t actually sing, instead opting to speak rhythmically.

It was surely a show to be remembered, and let’s hope that it is, because a performance like that will likely never happen again.

Photo courtesy of forums.superiorpics.com

Joining Midler was actress Marcia Gay Harden, the Blue Man Group, along with a number of other somewhat famous faces and a whole slew — over 500 — of volunteers. They spent Arbor Day in Greenpoint Brooklyn, at McCarren Park.

In addition to celebrating Arbor Day, the group was taking part in MillionTreesNYC Month, a program of which Midler is a founder and Mayor Bloomberg a big supporter. The goal, as you might have guessed, is “to plant and care for one million new trees across the City’s five boroughs over the next decade.” The City will plant 60% in parks, on streets, and in other public spaces, leaving 40% of the planting to individuals and private groups.

Meeting this goal will increase the number of trees by 20%, and at least this much is necessary to go along with the population growth NYC is experiencing. Planting trees is a relatively easy and cost effective way to ease the pains of population growth because they clean the air, provide shade, and make neighborhoods more beautiful.

To see how you can help, visit the MillionTreesNYC website and learn about getting involved. And please keep in mind that, even if you don’t live anywhere near New York, you can still plant a tree in your community — every little bit helps!

Photo courtesy of askmen.com