A bewitching good time: Here’s why ‘Wicked The Musical’ in Sydney is a must-see
Everything you need to know about the musical’s 20th-anniversary production down under.
Twenty years, US$5 billion, 65 million people, over 100 awards, 16 countries, 6 languages and the 4th longest-running production in Broadway history. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d have heard of Wicked The Musical — the play based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Called “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” by The New York Times and “the defining musical of the decade” by the Times, Wicked is a must-see — especially when the movie version is scheduled to release next year.
After two failed attempts at watching the play on Broadway, fate finally came calling as I was invited to the opening night down under. Held at The Star’s Lyric Theatre in Sydney, the production features an Australian cast led by Courtney Monsma as Glinda the Good and Sheridan Adams as Elphaba, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. A chat with associate producer Jeremy Juillerat revealed that there were a whopping 2,000 submissions for the 33 characters, and the cast is ultimately made up of theatre pros and newbies. This is Adams’ first leading role.
A prequel to The Wizard of Oz and set long before Dorothy dropped in, Wicked tells the story of two young women who meet in the land of Oz. There’s Glinda, who’s bubbly, blonde, ambitious and exceptionally popular. And there’s Elphaba, a smart, fiery, misunderstood yet talented girl who’s born with emerald-green skin. Together, they were enemies, then friends, and regardless of which team you’re on, the story delves into themes of friendship, identity and standing up for one’s beliefs. It’s proof that good and evil are, to some degree, a matter of perspective.
“I’m thrilled we’re able to bring Wicked to Australia which will coincide with its 20th anniversary on Broadway. This is one of the most lavish musical productions to have ever played in Australia, the full Broadway experience. You can see every dollar spent on the magnificent sets and lush costumes, a feast for the eye and the ear,” says the co-producer of Wicked Australia, John Frost. If you think that the production back then was amazing, the technical advances over the years have made the show that much more enthralling. The skillfully designed set featured a giant smoke-emitting dragon above the stage, stairs and platforms at both sides, video projections and LED lighting that fully evoke the fantasy world. The ethereal costumes tie everything together.
Highlights of the night include Courtney Monsma’s comical moves and ad-libs as well as her impeccable rendition of Popular; Sheridan Adams’ take on the show’s powerful anthem, Defying Gravity, during the finale of the first act; and the way her character transforms to a confident woman. The rest of the cast, including award-winning actress Robyn Nevin as Madame Morrible, Liam Head as the male lead Fiyero, and Adam Murphy as Dr Dillamond were incredible in their roles too. The contrast between the lighthearted first half and the darker second half will keep you engrossed until the end. Whether you’re planning to see it for the first time or you’d like to check out the Australian production, this show is not to be missed.
Wicked The Musical is playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star from now until 4 February 2024.
