That Not-So-Wicked Girl Defies Gravity

Long before Dorothy was born, let alone making her voyage from Kansas, there was an awful lot occurring in the magical land of Oz.

Jemma Rix returns to Brisbane in the touring musical sensation,'Wicked': the story of Elphaba and Glinda - two young girls who meet at university and, despite their differences (Elphaba is an outcast due to her green skin; Glinda is pretty and popular) become the best of friends. Little do they realise that their friendship will lead to a divided Oz, and Elphaba and Glinda inevitably meeting their fates depicted in L Frank Baum’s classic tale 'The Wizard Of Oz' by becoming the Wicked Witch Of The West and The Good Witch, respectively.

© Jeff Busby

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, 'Wicked' has become a global powerhouse in the world of musical theatre; winning all of the major awards, breaking box office records, critically acclaimed, and building a massive and adoring fan base since it opened on Broadway in 2003.

“'Wicked' is just so universal,” explains Jemma Nix of the shows success. Jemma would know, as she plays the lead role of Elphaba in the Australian production of 'Wicked'. Touring across Australia and to such countries as Korea, Manila, Singapore, and New Zealand, Jemma has helped bring the magical story and dazzling songs to a wide and global audience.

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Jemma has had a long history with the role of Elphaba. “In the original production I was the stand-by Elphaba,” she says, although this wasn’t her first contact with the role. “[I first started performing the role] in Universal Studios in Japan back in 2006. I can’t classify it as the real show because it was only half-an-hour; I did the big numbers, but it still wasn’t the whole story. I got a taste for it.” This prior experience and ability to perform the songs helped her land the stand-by position and pave the way for her becoming the witch we all know and love.

During the 2010 tour of the show, Jemma graduated from stand-by to receiving the honour of taking over the role of Elphaba. Having played Elphaba for so long, Jemma understands what it is that makes her tick and how misunderstood she is; “In 'The Wizard Of Oz' you don’t get a lot of backstory for her. You learn that the Wicked Witch Of The West isn’t as wicked as she is made out to be in that film. I think it’s a great message that, as in life, one shouldn’t judge too quickly. Elphaba is just trying to do good, but she is constantly misconstrued and things are turned on her literally because she is being judged on the colour of her skin.”

© Jeff Busby

Because the colour of Elphaba’s skin plays such a pivotal role in 'Wicked', Jemma has to spend each show covered in green make up to look the part. Not only does Jemma have to sport the green makeup during the show, but she has to sit still for up to forty minutes prior to the show for it to be applied; with an additional thirty minutes afterwards to have it removed. “That bit is definitely the toughest bit of the job because I’m green all over my face, ears, neck, hands, and hair. When I’m not working I still have that tinged green look, so I still look a little dodgy after the shows.”

When not confined to the makeup chair, Jemma enjoys performing the songs that have made 'Wicked' the phenomenon that it is today. While she enjoys all of the music in the show – describing all of them as "beautiful" – Jemma has a soft spot particularly for 'Defying Gravity'; a song about Elphaba going against the rules that others have set for her. “It’s the most musically beautiful song that I get to sing, and it has such a powerful message. And I also get to fly at the end of it.”



Along with the songs, one of the other elements of 'Wicked' that fans immediately fell in love with was the chemistry between Elphaba and her co-star Glinda, played by Lucy Durack. Unfortunately, Lucy will not be appearing in the Brisbane leg of the tour as she is hanging up her wand to give birth soon. Brisbane will be the first to see the new Glinda, who is yet to be announced. Jemma assures Brisbane fans of the show that they are in for a treat as they will witness the magic of seeing an actress redefine a character, something that is always wonderful to see in the world of theatre.

While 'Wicked' has previously come to Brisbane once before, it didn’t go to plan due to the 2011 Brisbane floods, as Jemma explained. “We actually didn’t do opening night, and we had a week off because QPAC itself got flooded. It was really full-on and scary. And that’s why I think it’s so exciting that we have the opportunity to come back because at that time people were going through such tremendous trauma and missed out. It’s nice that they now have the opportunity to see it again.” Let’s hope Brisbane stays dry this time, as we all know what happens to a witch when she gets wet.

Wicked Tour Dates

Sydney Capitol Theatre – until 30 January
Brisbane Queensland Performing Arts Centre – From 12 February
Perth Crown Theatre – From 3 May

'Wicked'.