From the very first note struck by the finely tuned, 17-piece orchestra, I realise that I am not in Kansas anymore. Instead I am flying somewhere between Munchkinland and Oz and loving it.
Redcliffe Musical Theatre (RMT), led by the gifted Executive Producer/ Director Madeleine Johns, has brought to life ‘Wicked’: a musical inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel ‘Wicked: The Life And Times Of The Wicked Witch Of The West’. Maguire’s novel covers the back-story of the lives of Glinda the Good Witch of the South and Elphaba (aka. The Wicked Witch of the West), from L. Frank Baum’s 1900’s novel ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
‘Wicked’, the musical adaptation of Maguire’s book, has been fancifully crafted by Stephen Schwartz, breathing existence into the lives of those in Oz before, during and after the arrival of young Dorothy. The musical explores the circumstances surrounding the lives of two very different friends, Glinda – entitled and beautiful - and Elphaba – demoralised and very green; taking the audience on a journey of self-discovery.
Image © BEAK PhotographicsIn the opening scene, Glinda (played by Dani Heraud) glides in on her own bubble to join the talented ensemble rejoicing in ‘No One Mourns The Wicked’. Dani’s perfect portrayal of the sometimes flaky – but always good – Glinda, is most evident during the catchy ditty ‘Popular’.
Equally as captivating is Katherine Vacca as Elphaba, understatedly introduced during ‘Dear Old Shiz’. Before long the noticeably green Katherine emanates a perfect combination of vulnerability and powerhouse that reaches fever pitch by the end of Act 1 when belting out the game-changing refrain, ‘Defying Gravity’. Culminating in a captivating counterpoint duet with Glinda the Good (albeit too brief), ‘For Good’ brings a tear to the eye of the hardened theatre-goer.
Jackson Head’s smooth tenor tones delight as Fiyero, the love interest that ultimately divides the two friends. Jackson handles the evolving Fiyero effortlessly, growing from the “deeply shallow” young man who was ‘Dancing Through Life’, into a brave, wise and thoughtful lover, delivering his half of the emotive duet ‘As Long As You’re Mine’.
Providing the musical direction for RMT’s ‘Wicked’ is music extraordinaire Sherree Drummond. An accomplished music director, singer, vocal coach and accompanist, Sherree astoundingly conducts the 17-piece orchestra from an adjoining room. While only communicating with the stage via digital technology, the orchestra never skips a beat.
Madeleine and the team at RMT have accomplished an extraordinary production, with youthful exuberance and bucket loads of talent. This Queensland Community Theatre premiere will be showing at the Redcliffe Cultural Centre until 14 August.
