REVIEW - GEN Q

WICKED - THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE WITCHES OF OZ

By Antony Steadman Theatre Editor
Published Aug 17, 2008


Wicked can be summed up in one word - Amazing! From the moment the audience enters the theatre, they are treated to a spectacular feast for the senses. Complete with a giant mechanical dragon hovering above the stage, the set extends out across the theatre from the proscenium, bringing the action that bit closer to the crowd. This commercial theatre juggernaut tells the untold story of Galinda (who later becomes Glinda the Good) and Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and the genesis of what we know as The Wizard of Oz.

The cast from the ensemble to the principals absolutely nail the material and don't put a foot or note wrong. The cast includes the incomparable Rob Guest as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz who is charming in the role. Maggie Kirkpatric, an Australian Entertainment stalwart plays the malicious Madame Morrible, who is not who she first seems to be.

Australian Idol favourites Anthony Callea and Rob Mills surprise in their roles as Boq and Fiyero respectively. It's a shame Anthony doesn't get his own song, as his performance is extremely well projected and note perfect. Mills as the playboy Winkie prince shines on stage with a depth that one would not expect from him. Penny McNamee is perfect as Nessa Rose, Elphaba's younger, crippled sister.

Our two leading ladies are Lucy Durack as Glinda and Amanda Harrison as the afforementioned Elphaba. Lucy is a fine comedian and is perfect as the bubbly, perky, blonde Glinda. Her rendition of Popular is extremely funny and Durack shows a great understanding of the material The star of the evening is Amanda as Elphaba. She shows an extreme depth, from her first number, The Wizard and I, she grows emotionally throughout and peaks to become a fiery young woman in Defying Gravity, which is possibly the most spectacular number.

The jaw dropping, eye popping, astounding show amazes and is tight from the smallest detail on the sleeve of a costume to the biggest set piece. A truly spectacular night at the theatre.
Wicked is currently playing an open ended engagement at Melbourne's Regent Theatre

http://www.generationq.net/entertainment/theatre/wicked-the-untold-story-of-the-witches-of-oz-170881.shtml