The smash hit Broadway musical Wicked flew in to Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on the weekend and treating the audience to an extraordinary evening of musical theatre, that captivated them from start to finish. From the moment the actors took to the stage, the audience was transported into a mesmerising world filled with magic, friendship, and the power of self-discovery.
I was lucky enough to snare tickets to the special preview performance on Saturday night ahead of its official opening. The audience at this performance was full of enthusiastic fans who were ecstatic to be returning to the land of Oz. I also saw this production of Wicked in Sydney in 2023, and while it was every bit as fantastic, the Melbourne crowd was going wild in a way the Sydney crowd didn’t. It was almost like being in the crowd at a rock concert!
Wicked is a prequel, telling the story of what happens before Dorothy gets blown in on her farmhouse in The Wizard Of Oz. My daughter says “it’s basically fanfic” which seems a bit harsh, but she does have a point.
Leaving that aside, it’s easy to get invested in the plot: the unlikely friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Elphaba is initially misunderstood due to her green skin, while Glinda is the popular and bubbly blonde. Despite their differences, they form a bond that evolves over time.
As the story progresses, we witness Elphaba’s transformation from a misunderstood outcast into a powerful and courageous leader. Along the way, she discovers her magical abilities and becomes an advocate for the oppressed citizens of Oz. However, her actions also draw the ire of the corrupt Wizard and his regime.
The Australian cast shines brightly, with Courtney Monsma commanding the stage as Glinda, the effervescent beauty who transforms into “Glinda the Good” (and arrives impressively by bubble) and Sheridan Adams making her debut in a lead role as Elphaba, the girl born with emerald-green skin destined to become the infamous “Wicked Witch of the West.”
Legendary actress Robyn Nevin brings depth to the character of Madame Morrible, while Simon Burke embodies the Wizard. and Liam Head captivates as the leading man, Fiyero. Together, this talented ensemble delivers a mesmerizing performance that captivates audiences and brings the enchanting world of Wicked to life on stage.
The set design and costumes are nothing short of beautiful, transporting the audience to the enchanting land of Oz. The vibrant and visually stunning Emerald City sequence dazzles audiences with its elaborate set design, dazzling costumes, and energetic choreography. .
A powerful highlight is the number Defying Gravity – an iconic moment in the musical where Elphaba embraces her true power and identity and soars above the stage in a breathtaking display of defiance and liberation.
Having recently marked its 20th anniversary since premiering on Broadway, Wicked continues to stand as one of the most triumphant and beloved musicals globally. With an astounding audience turnout of over 65 million worldwide, this theatrical sensation has solidified its place as the fourth longest-running production in Broadway’s illustrious history.
It was also recently announced that Wicked is headed to the silver screen later in 2024, in a Hollywood production of the musical starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
This production brings the beloved musical back to its original home in Australia , the Regent Theatre, where it premiered for the first time in 2008. At the time it broke the Melbourne box office record, raking in a phenomenal $1.5 million in ticket sales in just one day after it opened on 12 July 2008.
Wicked is a must-see production that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired as it explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the nature of good and evil, all set against the backdrop of a fantastical world filled with witches, wizards, and flying monkeys. With its stellar performances, stunning visuals, and poignant message, it is a theatrical experience that will stay with you long after the final curtain call.
Wicked is playing at the Regent Theatre, Collins Street Melbourne, until June. More information and tickets here.
Rating: 4/5 ★★★★
