Last night the green carpet was rolled out and crowds of suitably dressed punters headed to the Regent Theatre for the opening night of the tenth anniversary of Wicked the Musical. I didn’t see the show first time round so was excited to be attending with my Mum, on the eve of Mother’s Day.
Even Mum commented on how dressed up everyone was, with a great number of people in green (or emerald!).
The show started right on time and to be honest, I really wasn’t sure of what the story would be. Touted to tell the ‘Untold Story of the Witches of Oz’, I wasn’t sure I wanted one of my favourite childhood stories messed with. Within three hours I’d be singing its praises, for the show is a spectacle in all facets of singing, dancing, costume, staging and performance.
Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, are the stars of the show, starting the tale as school chums and detailing their journey til the arrival of Dorothy in the land of Oz. There are lot’s of lessons to be learnt in watching the production – that of bullying and friendship, love and loss – but the frequent laughs and delightful voices of the shows stars carry the tale and we learn much about the characters true personalities.
Original Wicked stars Lucy Durack and Jemma Rix portray Glinda and Elphaba, whose characters I could both relate to – Glinda for her love of shoes and Elphaba who is often told to stop talking! Glinda’s character bares an uncanny resemblance to Reese Witherspoons Legally Blonde, while the caricature of the Wizard struck me as very Tywin Lannister.
The costumes and sets are beyond amazing and throughout the production, I could see how the whole thing tied back to the film – sheer brilliance. If The Wizard of Oz was one of your favourite childhood memories, take your Mum or your sister – or your best friend – and enjoy this very clever tale in all it’s glory.
Also starring Reg Livermore – who I fondly associate with ‘Our House’ from my childhood too!
SEASON DETAILS
~MELBOURNE~
Venue: Regent Theatre, Melbourne
Season: From 10 May, 2014
Performance Times: Wed–Sat 8.00pm, Wed 1.00pm, Sat 2.00pm, Sun 1.00pm and 6.30pm
Price: Tickets from $69.90*
Bookings: wickedthemusical.com.au or 1300 111 011
Groups 12+ save 1300 889 278
~SYDNEY~
Venue: Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Season: From 20 September
Performance Times: Tues 7.00pm, Wed 1.00pm, Sat 8.00pm, Wed 1.00pm, Sat 2.00pm, Sun 3.00pm
Price: Tickets from $69.90*
Bookings: wickedthemusical.com.au or 1300 723 038
Groups 12+ save 02 8240 2290
Travel Packages at wotif.com.au/wicked
~BRISBANE~
Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Season: From 15 February 2015
Performance Times: Tues 6.30pm, Wed–Sat 8.00pm, Wed 1.00pm, Sat 2.00pm, Sun 3.00pm
Price: From $69.90*
Bookings: wickedthemusical.com.au or phone 136 246
The Wicked team are offering you a special presale sale! Just head to this before 11.59pm Sunday 11 May to pick up this exclusive offer!
All images with thanks to Jeff Busby Photography.