STAYING PUT

Wicked has no plans to depart the Regent

Wicked will stay in Melbourne for all of 2009 and is making no plans to come to Sydney, producer John Frost has confirmed.

Despite rumours the show was planning a run at the Capitol Theatre from late next year, Frost says no plans have been made for a Sydney season and there is a major focus on keeping the show in Melbourne for as long as possible.

"We haven’t even talked about what we’re doing or where we are going after this," Frost said.

"I can’t see it moving from Melbourne inside the next 12 to 18 months. At the moment we are purely focused on reaching our first anniversary in July next year."

Despite tough economic times, Wicked continues to do big business at the box office with only limited tickets – if that – available for most performances.

"It has exceeded my expectations," Frost said.

"I think it has become very settled now and we’re getting the types of audiences who only go to the theatre once or twice a year. We’re also seeing a lot of return business."

Frost said there was a conscious effort to make the hit musical "Melbourne-centric".

"We are aggressively out there trying to be part of the Melbourne infrastructure as such," he said.

"Therefore we are seeing not only a strong response from locals but also a very good base of ticket-buyers from interstate."

Frost said Bert Newton’s arrival to the show as the Wizard had been warmly received by the cast, even though it was in tough circumstances following the loss of Rob Guest.

"Bert’s interpretation is different to everyone else and I think it’s been a shot in the arm for the cast," he said.

"I’m also excited about Stuart Fisher joining us as Boq. That said we would like to see Anthony come back and join the show again at some point in the next few years – he’d certainly be welcome."

Frost said the remainder of the principal cast are on long-term contracts and will certainly be with the show beyond the six month mark.

The American creative team arrive back in Melbourne next week to tighten up the show and ensure all is running smoothly.

- Troy Dodds