Brisbane Reviews

"No one mourns the wicked." Or do they?

We have welcomed back another sensational season at QPAC, and Brisbane city is, once again, bathed in emerald as we witness the 'untold story' of the world's (apparently) most wicked witch of the West!

Wicked is set on a stage that moves seamlessly between the cogs and clockwork of a school; the luminous glow of Emerald City, and the straw fields that precipitate this timeless journey down the infamous yellow brick road.  

A nod goes out to the wizard's of stage and lighting: Eugene Lee (set design) and Kenneth Posner (lighting) who have delivered the whimsy and magic of Emerald City and captured the imagination of novelist Gregory Macguire, who birthed the story of the unknown underdog, Elphaba – the 'Wicked' witch of the West. 

Sheridan Adams has done an amazing job portraying Elphaba, matched by Courtney Monsma who kept the audience in no short supply of giggles with her hilarious and very quirky role of Glinda (with a 'Gah'). These two characters make the ultimate 'odd couple' as they form an unlikely bond that started out like the plot to another 'Mean Girls', yet delves deeper to explore the complexities of fear-mongering among the masses, and the power of propaganda fed to us by those portrayed as 'good'. Another subtle reminder to the viewer never to judge someone on their skin colour, nor blindingly believe what the wizards-of-words would tell you. Perhaps, like greatness, not all wickedness is born, but thrust upon us as we realise, just because "they call me wonderful" doesn't mean they are right!

Wicked gives us, the audience, an exciting perspective on where our favourite road travellers of Oz were birthed, illuminating the back story to how the 'witches of Oz' were created: A thrilling taste of the wizardry of image (and the nightmarish nature of the real Emerald City). It was not just Elphaba (Adams) and Glinda (Monsma) who were "defying gravity" with bubbles and brooms, but also an amazing ensemble who kept pace, energy and sync with the witches. 

The weather-wielding Madame Morrible (Robyn Nevin, legend of stage) and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Todd McKenney, more stage royalty) scheming and slithering their partnership into a patchwork of lies that rounded out the cast, making this show so fantastic it would be Wicked not to witness, in person!

In a timeless tale of triumphing for good (even if it paints you as evil), the power of friendship (and love) in a world that would punish difference rather than celebrate it – the moral to this fabulous theatrical endeavour? Persevere for the things you are passionate about.

Speaking words straight from the witches mouth: "... because I knew you, I have been changed for GOOD ..." and with these words still ringing in my head we welcome back another flawless season of Wicked, and we have been changed, too.