One of the world’s best-loved musicals, WICKED, has arrived in Brisbane this week to the delight of QPAC audiences.
If you’re not one of the estimated 65 million people worldwide to have seen the show since its debut in 2003, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. An origin story if you will, adapted from the hit novel by Gregory Maguire, and inspired by L. Frank Baum’s characters from The Wizard of Oz.
At its core, Wicked explores whether evil is born or made as well as championing ‘other perspectives’. Meeting at school, the future witches Galinda (who becomes Glinda the Good Witch) and Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the East) are instant enemies; but grow to become allies and friends as time marches on and their land of Oz faces increasing sinister threats from the authoritarian Wizard. The story weaves cleverly into the classic tale, providing motivation and backstories for some of the characters Dorothy Gale encountered on her own journey to the Emerald CIty.
With two powerhouse female leads, the show rolls out a songbook of hits which quickly have become musical theatre canon. From the wit and satire of Loathing, perky and quirky Popular to the phenomenal showstopper Defying Gravity, the performers cast as Glinda and Elphaba have big shoes to fill – these are career-defining, dream roles for any aspiring actor.
Courtney Monsma and Sheridan Adams certainly deliver. Their performances on opening night were faultless, sailing impressively through the challenging repertoire of back-to-back belters with ease.
Both also bring their own unique character perspectives; with Monsma’s sassy and forward young Galinda more emboldened than previous productions. Her physical commitment to the role is very funny, as Galinda bumbles her way from socialite to community leader.
Adams as Elphaba is earnest and thoughtful while she develops her talent and confronts social injustices with empathy, before transforming into the formidable Wicked Witch of the East by the end of Act One. Hearts are full and eyes are teary as she belts out the final notes of Defying Gravity, and again as the exiled freedom-fighter in No Good Deed.
Supporting the leads are an equally impressive cast of theatre veterans and a fresh faced stars in their early careers. Legends of the stage Todd McKenney (The Wizard); Robyn Nevin (Madame Morrible) are perfect as the pompous schemers while Adam Murphy (Dr Dillamond) adds depth to the scenes which carry the main plot points around oppression. Love interest and general gadabout Fiyero is played by Ainsley Melham with his trademark princely air. Shewit Belay and Kurtis Papadinis round out the main cast as the integral characters of Elphaba’s sister Nessarose, and perennial sidekick Boq.
If you’ve seen the show once or twice before, fear not, as the production has been updated with some scenic technology that will surprise and entertain. The bright and bold costumes, steampunk design and looming Time Dragon are familiar yet modernised. Some of Galinda’s costuming in particular is sleeker and more preppy; but the zany colour explosion that heralds their arrival in the Emerald City is still dazzling.
The live band completes the full theatrical experience, with enthusiastic applause and murmurs of recognition as the familiar score escorts us on the journey through Oz. It’s hard not to grin with delight as the cast moves deftly through the scenes with pace and aplomb, racing towards the ending we know and love. Wicked is one of those shows where it doesn’t matter if you know what happens already – the production is so layered, each performance so engaging, you can watch it over and over again.
Belinda Yench
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Wicked (Regent Theatre) – musical theatre review
- The Wizard of Oz (QPAC) – theatre review
- Wizard of Oz Arena Spectacular – national tour 2019-20
Belinda Yench is a Brisbane-based writer and communications specialist. She contributes to The Blurb on theatre and film
