“So, what’s the most swankified place in all of OZ? Well, that would be the OZ Dust Ballroom.”

Of course, any true Wicked aficionado knows that! But you don’t have to find the yellow brick road or even make your way to the Emerald City in order to enjoy the sites and sounds that are “defying gravity!” San Diegans are fortunate enough to have Wicked in town at the Civic Theatre through the end of the month. Still, Wicked fans don’t even have to make the trek to Downtown to get a special one-night-only glimpse of the First National Touring Company of Wicked. While the theatre is dark, these wickedly passionate do-gooders will make a rare appearance just down University Avenue at the Birch North Park Theatre.

On Monday, Aug. 24, at 7:30 p.m., the First National Touring Company of Wicked will host Defying Inequality, an evening of cabaret performances promoting equality and civil rights. Held at the Birch North Park Theatre, and produced by company members of Wicked, the event will feature members of the cast and crew as well as guest performers. This one-night event will benefit Equality California, Empire State Pride Agenda, Garden State Equality and Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, four nonprofit charitable organizations working to legislate equality and protect civil rights for the GLBT community. All proceeds will be distributed evenly among the four organizations. Defying Inequality is an evening intended for mature audiences.

This is an opportunity for San Diego to get to see the stars of Wicked in an even different light. Defying Inequality will feature musical performances that support Wicked’s theme of acceptance and illuminate the musical’s message that people should not be judged on first impressions, and that in these divisive times we must come together to support one another’s rights throughout the country and around the world. Performers include Donna Vivino (Elphaba), Nina West (2008 National Entertainer of the Year), Alison Arngrim (“Little House on the Prairie”) San Diego’s own Judy “The Beauty” Forman, as well as many members of the cast of the First National Touring Company of Wicked. The evening will also feature live and silent auctions, including an opportunity to bid on an onstage appearance in Wicked at the Civic Theatre and other show-related items, as well as Marriage Equality USA T-shirts.

Admission to Defying Inequality by donation. Donation levels are $35 and $50 for general seating. A $100 donation includes a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. at a location to be announced, and $150 donation includes the cocktail reception and limited seating at the performance with members of the Wicked cast. Tickets are available through Equality California at www.eqca.org; Broadway San Diego at www.broadwaysd.com or by phone at 888-937-8995, Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and through the Birch North Park Theatre Box Office at www.birchnorthparktheatre.net or by phone at 619-239-8836. Service charges may apply to tickets purchased through the Birch North Park Theatre. A limited number of tickets will also be available at The Big Kitchen, 3003 Grape Street, San Diego, 619-234-5789 and the Obelisk bookstore at 1029 University Ave. in Hillcrest 619-297-4171.