As a fan of musical theatre and someone who has been looking forward to seeing 'Wicked' for as long as I can remember, I of course booked my ticket as soon as I heard the show was coming to Brisbane - and I was not disappointed.
Every aspect of 'The Wizard Of Oz' prequel was magical, from the overall storyline, right down to the choreography of the flying monkey dancers. As soon as I walked into the Lyric Theatre and saw a huge, dark dragon looming over the stage, I knew I was in for a treat.
Suzie Mathers as Glinda © Maye WongThe lights dimmed, and the opening number began. Glinda floated down in her bubble in a sparkly blue-grey ball gown looking exactly like the fairy princess every little girl wants to be. In fact, every single one of Glinda’s costumes were to die for and Suzie Mathers looked stunning in them. Not many people could pull off the yellow party dress she wore later in the show. And when that woman opened her mouth to sing, I was amazed. Both Suzie and Jemma Rix (Elphaba) have two of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard, and they worked so well together. Every duet was sung in perfect harmony, and I won’t lie, ‘For Good’ almost had me in tears.
I’m a hopeless romantic, that’s not up for debate. But any show that focuses more on the connection between two best friends than the romantic plot is eternally better. I was hoping to see that in 'Wicked', and they delivered.
© Andrew RitchieNot only was the show magical, witty and entertaining, with just the right amount of humour, but it also had some brilliant morals and really made you think. With interesting and unexpected backstories for many of the characters, 'Wicked' questions your ideas of right and wrong, and who’s really “the bad guy”.
Without giving too much away, my favourite scene Jemma's solo, ‘Defying Gravity’. The song is amazing in itself, but Jemma sang magnificently. There’s nothing quite like seeing somebody who’s been oppressed for being a little different gain the confidence they deserve and rise above it all (no pun intended).
The cast and crew did a wonderful job and if you’re a fan of musical theatre – or even if you’re not – 'Wicked' is definitely recommended.
