Courtney Monsma (Glinda), Sheridan Adams (Elphaba) and the Australian cast of WICKED Photographer: Jeff Busby |
Wicked is an introduction to that other well known musical, The Wizard of Oz. It is the untold story of the Witches of OZ. Wicked introduces us to the "good" Witch Glinda and the two "Bad" Witches, the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and her younger sister, the Wicked Witch of the East, Nessarose. It also introduces us to the Wizard, and explains how the Tinman, Lion and Scarecrow come into being and long for a heart, courage and brains.
Wicked premiered on Broadway in 2003 and has since been performed to millions of people in many countries around the world. It has won numerous awards, both here in Australia and overseas. This 20th anniversary production is the 3rd time it has been performed in Australia, after its first appearance in 2019 and second one in 2014.
Only two words are needed to sum up this production of Wicked - spellbinding spectacular! The imaginative sets are the star of the show. They greet you even before the musical starts. The sets are not only revealed behind the curtain, but greet you even before the curtain opens. They protrude out on the side walls and ceiling of the Sydney Lyric theatre. You only have to look up to see the spectacular flying dragon high above you.
Courtney Monsma (Glinda) and Sheridan Adams (Elphaba) Photographer: Jeff Busby |
There were many special wizardry moments throughout Wicked. The entrance of Glinda in the first song, descending on a large clocks pendulum, sets the scene for all the wonderful effects that come along in the musical. At the end of the first act Elphaba soared in the air as she sang Defying Gravity. Winged monkeys pranced around the stage and flew in the air above the stage and above the audience. The friendly/ferocious dragon peers down on the audience.
All the members of the cast are brilliant. There are two outstanding seasoned performers and a host of other younger performers.
Todd McKenney brings along his years of dancing and singing experience to play The Wizard, who uses trickery to hide his own mortal shortcomings. Todd has been in The Boy From Oz, Barnum, Shrek and many other musicals. He has been host, choreographer, judge, dancer and singer.
Robyn Nevin has been in many stage, TV and movie productions and has directed theatre companies. She convincingly plays the cunning and conniving Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Shiz University.
Courtney Monsma plays Glinda. Courtney has appeared in many musicals and TV shows. She is just the right person to portray Glinda as as a bubbly, a passionate, popular and loveable individual who is also cunning.Todd McKenney (The Wizard) and Sheridan Adams (Elphaba) Photographer: Jeff Busby |
Shewit Belay plays Nessarose, the younger sister of Elphaba. She is in a wheelchair, but later Elphaba uses a spell that allows her to walk. She meets her end when a farmhouse lands on her in a cyclone. (Just think of the start of The Wizard of Oz.) Shewit is a multi-talented singer and actor and brings conviction to her role as Nessarose.
Liam Head plays Fiyero, the male love interest in wicked. He ends up being captured and is hung in paddock like a scarecrow. To save his life, Elphaba turn Fiyero into a real scarecrow. Liam, who has performed in other shows and is a recording artist, brings Fiyero to life with his singing and dancing.Shewit Belay (Nessarose), Robyn Nevin (Madame Morrible) and Sheridan Adams (Elphaba) Photography: Jeff Busby |
Wicked is now on until 31st December at the Sydney Lyric. The theatre is located at 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW Australia. Wicked goes for an enjoyable 2 hours 45 minutes, with a 15 minute interval. Seats are selling fast, so don't hesitate to book your seats on your prefered date or you might miss out.
Wicked
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