Skittles: Skittles the Musical by DDB Worldwide

Skittles is known for its quirky approach to advertising, especially during the Super Bowl. But this year, instead of running a 30-second ad during the big game, the candy brand is creating the first-ever commercial performed as a live Broadway musical.

‘Skittles Commercial: The Broadway Musical’ is written by playwright and Pulitzer finalist Will Eno in partnership with DDB Worldwide. The 17-member cast, led by Michael C. Hall, will perform the show one time only, in front of a live audience at The Town Hall in New York City on Sunday, February 3 at 1pm EST. The show will also feature original songs backed by a live band.

Tickets to the live performance are on sale and available to the public at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket proceeds will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS – a nonprofit organization that awards annual grants that help men, women and children in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC, receive lifesaving medications, health care, nutritious meals, counseling and emergency assistance. Skittles will also match this donation. In addition, Mars Wrigley Confectionery US, LLC will donate $25,000 to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, plus an additional amount equal to the total amount donated as a result of ticket purchases but not to exceed $25,000, for a total potential maximum donation of $50,000.

A teaser for the musical finds Hall talking with a therapist, who warns against doing the ad. A scarecrow weirdly appears as someone trying to explain what the ad is, while Hall gets frustrated. The whole scene turns out to be a Broadway play in front of an audience.