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Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable modern musical soundtracks, the nostalgia of an original story about an iconic fantasy world, and an exceptional home-grown cast, the Australian tour of Wicked is as magical as it promises to be.
Wicked by Winnie Holzman is the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West. Long before Dorothy arrived in Oz, a misunderstood young woman with emerald-green skin and extraordinary talent named Elphaba, and a popular, bubbly blonde named Glinda attend high school together. Initially fierce rivals, they develop the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”
Stephen Schwartz’s score is an entity in and of itself, with grand sweeping notes and instrumentals enveloping you in the story and just begging you to sing along. Helmed by a powerhouse ensemble, songs such as No One Mourns the Wicked and One Short Day offer pitch-perfect harmonies and dynamic dancing.
Courtney Monsma brings incredible vocal range and a pure self-absorption you love to hate to Glinda in Popular, but also emotional depth in I’m Not That Girl. Monsma differentiates her Glinda from those that have come before through her physical comedy, bounding and bouncing, shimmying and jolting her way across the stage. Sheridan Adams is a sensation as Elphaba, embodying the relatability of a girl struggling with ostracism in childhood, and standing for her values as an adult despite the cost. Her rendition of The Wizard and I captures the naivety and hope of childhood, and breakout song Defying Gravity truly thrilling! Monsma and Adams are a powerhouse team, complementing each other’s performances in Loathing and For Good.
Aussie stage icon Todd McKenney is benevolent and dangerous as the Wizard in A Sentimental Man. Robyn Nevin is diabolical as Madame Morrible, and Liam Head lovable as Fiyero.
The set and costumes bring the opulence and colour you expect of a big-budget Broadway musical, the dragon’s head over the stage and Emerald City costumes particularly awe-inspiring. A wonderful place to spend an evening lost in music and fantasy and all things Oz.
Purchase your ticket to Wicked here.
Sparkling Shiraz | Wine Pairing
Ruby red like a certain pair of slippers (the film version, at least), decadent flavours of berries, plums and pepper, zhooshed and sweetened with bubbles, Sparkling Shiraz is the magical drink I want in my glass after seeing Wicked.
My Pick: Robert Stein Sparkling Shiraz, Mudgee NSW
Fun fact, Wicked is the first musical I have a clear memory of as I was about 15 years old when I saw it for the first time and fell in love with theatre. I’ve paired it with the first Sparkling Shiraz I ever tried, a stunning drop with the lovely spice of cool climate reds, acidity of cool climate sparkling, and preserved fruit flavours from the winemaking process that promises to transport you back to your first enchanting sip every time.
Wicked, Sydney Lyric Theatre | Tasting Notes
| Aussie Season | 25 Aug to 31 Dec 2023, Sydney Lyric Theatre |
| Ticket $ | $79-295 |
| Writer | Book by Winnie Holzman, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz |
| Director | Joe Mantello |
| Theatre Type & Genre | Musical, fantasy |
| See it if you like | The Wizard of Oz, high production musicals |
| Wine Pairing | Sparkling Shiraz |
| Criteria for Wine Pairing | Decadent red fruit flavours, sweet finish, bubbles! |
Toasting Aussie Theatre 