Wicked – the phenomenally successful musical is wowing audiences in Sydney right now, as it continues its stellar run at the Lyric Theatre. But Melbourne audiences will not have to wait long until it heads south to the city’s iconic Regent Theatre, kicking off the third run in the city, following previous productions in 2008 and 2014.
To celebrate the announcement of its Melbourne leg kicking off in March 2024 as well as the fact that tickets are going on sale on Friday the 20th of October, Lord Mayor Sally Capp welcomed the show’s two stars – Courtney Monsma (who plays Glinda) and Sheridan Adams (Elphaba) – who arrived in full costume and make-up to help promote the show’s return to Melbourne for the first time in almost 10 years. Added to this was the presence of an enormous Wicked-themed hot air balloon, which was not defying gravity sadly as it was anchored to the ground, but it certainly loomed large in the distance on a perfect Melbourne morning.
At the event, Adams (who earlier this year wowed audiences in Tick, Tick… Boom!) spoke of the connection she has with her co-star Monsma, and their shared love of the story and characters at the heart of the musical, and also revealed how she’s always had a love for the show and how she found out she won the coveted role of Elphaba – a phone call while in the middle of Melbourne’s bustling Southern Cross Station, which reduced her to tears.
“If you saw a girl in bike shorts crying, that was me when I got the call that I got Elphaba” Adams shared.
The Lord Mayor mentioned that over 65 million people have seen Wicked around the world since it was first staged in 2003, and how important huge shows like this are to the city of Melbourne, bringing in visitors from all over the country to enjoy experiences such as this, in addition to sample everything else the city has to offer while they’re here.
Given its sell-out run so far in Sydney and the exceptional reviews Monsma and Adams have received for their performances, the upcoming Melbourne leg, which begins on March 6, 2024, looks certain to continue the show’s incredible run.
All the info on the show and tickets to both its Sydney and Melbourne runs can be found at wickedthemusical.com.au.
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All images by Heath C.
TINSEL and TAP SHOES 