A Story of Love, Friendship and Acceptance. Since opening on Broadway in 2003 it’s easy to see why this beloved prequel to The Wizard of Oz, telling the Origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good is the fifth longest running Broadway show in history. 

This new Australian production is the third time in 15 years Wicked has toured this country. And now that I’ve seen it, I am totally kicking myself I hadn’t seen it until just recently. 

In terms of senses, Wicked is a feast for the eyes and ears… Walking into the Theatre you leave the real world behind and truly enter another filled with witches, wizards and flying monkeys. The sets (Eugene Lee) and costumes (Susan Hilferty) are exquisite and mesh together to create the perfect amount of theatrical glitz. 

This Australian cast shine so brightly… Making her lead role deput Sheridan Adams as Elphaba brings the house down with her commanding stage presence and soaring powerful vocals. A massive highlight for me had to be Sheridans number Defying Gravity. A pivotal moment in the musical where Elphaba embraces her true power and identity and soars above the stage in what is a breathtaking display. Courtney Monsma is as equally impressive as Glinda. Courtney is infectiously giddy, hilarious, touching, delightful and in complete control the whole time. Her number Popular is a great example of this. I was completely moved at times when Sheridan and Courtney came together for duets such as Dancing Through Life and For Good. Talk about pull on your heart strings!!! Simon Burke steps into the shoes of The Wizard and does a stupendous job of capturing the corruption and sneakiness of his character. Adam Murphy’s Doctor Dillamond even in full goat costume is able to portray deep sadness and hurt. 

Wicked is defiantly a 10 out of 10 must see production that will stay with you long after the final curtain call. 

Wicked is playing at at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne until June. For more information and Tickets visit wickedthemusical.com.au 

x Steph 

Photos by Jeff Busby