Review : WICKED the Musical – Lyric Theatre, QPAC Brisbane – February 15, 2015

Review by Connor Blythe
WICKED the musical
Wicked is the most awarded new musical and has grabbed the attention of theatre goers in recent years. It tells the untold story of unadulterated loathing and friendship between two unlikely but no so different friends. One born with emerald-green skin who is the social outcast while the other is popular, self-absorbed and determined to get what she wants. These two girls soon become The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Jemma Rix portrays one of the most iconic Broadway characters Elphaba. Elphaba is smart, dangerous and overprotective of her younger sister Nessarose (Emily Cascarino), while attending Shiz University. She is manipulated and betrayed by the headmistress Madame Morrible played by Maggie Kirkpatrick.

Glinda with a “Ga” is played by Suzie Mathers who captures the perkiness, popularity and “toss toss” of Glinda perfectly. The grand production delights the audience with brilliant intricate stage designs, elaborate sets, lighting effects and effortless choreography. The pinnacle moment in the musical is the last scene of the first interval, where Jemma Rix and Suzie Mather’s perform the iconic song “Defying Gravity” written and composed by “Stephen Schwartz”, which shows the audience members the full grandeur of this magnificent production.

The second half, shows the progression of the characters through the story and ties this story line into the original Wizard of Oz beautifully.

The stellar cast also features Simon Gallaher who gives an outstanding performance as The Wizard of Oz and Steve Danielsen as Fiyero.

If you’re only going to see one musical this year, go and see Wicked.

WICKED the Musical – Lyric Theatre, QPAC Brisbane – February 15, 2015

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QPAC Brisbane – www.qpac.com.au