Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz
Video 
Editorial
Regent Theatre, Melbourne
If you saw some green folk milling around the Regent Theatre on Saturday 12 July 2008 (which was floodlit in, you guessed it, green), you might have worked out that something wicked was going on. Much hype swirled our city in the lead up to the opening of Wicked and you had to wonder whether the show was really going to deliver the goods. The US version has grossed around $US1.4 million a week and according to the New York Times is "one of the most successful shows in Broadway history". The Melbourne show had big ruby-red shoes to fill. From the moment the curtain went up, however, there was no doubt that the Oz version of Wicked was going to be every bit as fantastic as its US counterpart - due in no small part to the outstanding cast.
Lucy Durack is gorgeous as the popular, good witch Glinda. One could imagine that she had been destined to play this part all her life - with her pitch-perfect vocals and comic timing, her performance was spellbinding. Amanda Harrison, the darker (green) witch had one of the most beautiful voices I had ever heard. She plays the misunderstood witch Elphaba with heart-felt emotion. And then there were the Idol stars. Anthony Callea devotees were delighted to see him donning green tights as a cute little Munchkin (Boq) with a big voice (see Anthony Callea's video interview here) and is now replaced by WAAPA graduate, Stuart Fisher. Rob Mills, as Fiyero, is eye candy for the front rows: he's a dashing hero with a heart - and voice - of gold.
After the passing of Rob Guest, who was magnificent as the wizard, Bert Newton stepped into the magical wizard shoes. According to Bert: "I feel priveleged to take this role, one Rob Guest memorably created for the Australian production of Wicked. Rob was a close mate, we played opposite each other in the Sound of Music, and we had a lot of fun together."
Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz is based on a book by Gregory Maguire and features lyrics by Winnie Holzman (thirtysomething, and Once and Again), and music and by Stephen Schwartz (of Godspell and Pocahontas fame.) It's an off-beat melange of stories - stories that explain those pesky little details that you just need to know, like why the Tin Man lost his heart and where Dorothy's ruby slippers came from. But it does more than tie up some Wizard of Oz loose ends. It's also a story about friendship and courage - and why truth is just something we all agree upon. I especially love Elphaba's mission to save animals (a metaphor for the oppressed in society) and make the world a better place.
No expense has been spared for this production: with 380 dazzling costumes and technical wizardry that includes flying monkeys that actually fly over the audience, this is a production that entertains on every level. But parents be warned: Wicked is an entrancing fairytale that the littlies will love, but there is the odd scary moment.
Whether you love musicals or just want to see what all the fuss is about, get a ticket to Wicked. It’s a magical journey that more than lives up to the hype.
For more information, go to the official site or Ticketek to book tickets, but you better get your ruby-red shoes on, because Wicked is packing up its brooms and heading to Sydney after closing in Melbourne on 9 August 2009.
Judith Hatton, Arts Editor, Citysearch
(reviewed at the Regent Theatre on 12 July 2008)
Read Citysearch's interview with Lucy Durack and find out more about Wicked 's opening night and after-party.
User Feedback
martin micheals
May 23, 2008
wasnt it based on the book "wicked" written by a guy... im not suere of his name. gregory something???
Stefanie
May 26, 2008
I saw "Wicked" in the States and loved it. The best musical in a long time. I will see it again in Melbourne!!!
rimi
June 09, 2008
i havn't seen it yet but it sounds good and i think it would be good if you haven't got a clue in what happeneds in The Wizard of Oz so if you asked me it will better than The Wizard of Oz . p.s. i will go and see it on the 24th of speteber with my grandma and rewite what think.
love wicked
June 09, 2008
YOU MUST SEE EVEN THOUGH I HAVN'T BUT I AM
Chloe
June 12, 2008
Absolutely fantastic show!! I saw it in London last year, again on Broadway and will save up to fly to melbourne to see it again. Fantastic show!
Jessica
June 14, 2008
best ever i went every day to see it in london
Rose
June 24, 2008
I love Wicked... you all must see it! I am! It is really cool!
Hannah
June 29, 2008
Saw it on Friday night and was blown away...totally awesome..great sets, great cast, fantastic script (some perfect one liners ). Melbourne we are so lucky to have this one, cos you're going to want to see it again. I know I'm going back!
josephine
July 03, 2008
Hi I want to take my 3 children aged 7,9,11 I was hoping someone how has see it could tell me if it ok for there age group thanks
samm
July 03, 2008
oh my god. wicked is amazing. its based on the book written by gregory maquire. i am wickeds biggest fan. ive seen it in the states and a melbourne preview and its incredible! its a must see!
joseph
July 04, 2008
went to see wicked on 2/july/2008,great cast,it seems all main charac ters portray their parts exceptionaly well,both witches are outstanding,rob guest,what a legend.i have seen the show in london,and australia should be very proud,other standouts-not a big fan of anthony callea,but for someone who has never acted,he was amazing,a perfect boq,when he does sing,it sounded awesome,its also refreshing that he can take the micky out of himself/munchkin/height etc,in time he will get the acting part stronger,rob mills just plays himself,perfect fit,confident,cheeky,but no one beats adam garcia,overall,fantastic.
Richard
July 04, 2008
Saw it last night. I was blown away -- the technical/production treatments were outstanding, the music was catchy, and the acting/singing was top notch. Loved every part of this. A must-see.
Richard
July 04, 2008
Josephine: it should be good for the children, but I saw more than a few kids (10,11 year-olds, etc) squirming in their seats, especially in act 2. It's a long show. Also, there are a couple of potentially scary bits (flying monkeys, Moving dragon, and the Wizard's big moving head and booming voice.) So the 7yo might need some hand-holding. But if they have seen the movie (and aren't scared of the monkeys/witches/etc) then they'll probably be ok.
Richard
July 04, 2008
Josephine: it should be good for the children, but I saw more than a few kids (10,11 year-olds, etc) squirming in their seats, especially in act 2. It's a long show. Also, there are a couple of potentially scary bits (flying monkeys, Moving dragon, and the Wizard's big moving head and booming voice.) So the 7yo might need some hand-holding. But if they have seen the movie (and aren't scared of the monkeys/witches/etc) then they'll probably be ok.
Annie
July 05, 2008
i saw wicked on saturday 28th june....a fantastic show and a must for all to see.....the Elphaba standby Jemma Stevenson was on this night and she was truly amazing..... so talented,magnificent... walking out of theatre i heard people saying, how could a standby be so brilliant....we would all go back to see her again wicked is wicked
'sandra
July 05, 2008
Took my young eight year old daughter to wicked friday 4th july,she loved it,i was proud to see great australian talent,we should always support our performers, i was impressed wit the two idols,anthony callea- as boq blew me away,he is so cute and my daughter actually asked if they had boq dolls,im sure australia will fall in love with boq,rob mills,great,i think he may of missed or forgotten a line during his duet with elphaba,if anyone noticed this please confirm. i heard a few audience members comment,that he forgot the end of the song,please confirm,overall a very solid performance
josh
July 07, 2008
went to see wicked on sunday night,with my two young boys,aged 5 and 7,no problem with the visual effects,the kids loved it,i first saw wicked three years ago in london,i can say that the australian cast performs just as good,the two witches are fantastic.looking at other reviews, it seems in oz we are quick to put down our young talent,whereas in the usa,england their idols are treated serious,rob mills did a top job with fiyero,and anthony callea,was a great munchkin,everyone needs to understand both rob and anthony,have never done theater,ROB GUEST STARTED AS A young POP SINGER IN NEWZEALAND,LOOK AT HIM TODAY.enjoy the show.
bianca
July 11, 2008
went and saw wicked and totally agree with sandra,anthony callea is made for theater,ive never heard such a powerfulvoice,its a shame his role is not najor,rob mills is ok,but overall wicked will impress,theirs more to it then the australian idols,uou should see the witches perform-outstanding,well done to the cast and crew.
Dale&Shannon
July 13, 2008
Having read the book we were intrigued and even though it does not follow the book to the letter we loved it. We flew interstate to see it and if it comes to NSW we will go again. Not a lover of Rob Mills we were concerned but thoroughly enjoyed his performance. Boq was performed that night by the understudy and we thought his performance was wonderful. The 2 witches what can you say they performed them to exception. Galinda or should I say Glinda performed "popular" to the understanding of all who has gone through High School FICK FLICK HEE HEE and watching the Wicked Witch of the west melt with my daughter from when she was 3 yrs old and she can recite basically this movie. It was the perfect we loved it GO AND SEE THIS
Terrye Sayers
July 14, 2008
What a hoot loved it and want to see it again but want balcony seats how do I get then???????????????
olivia
July 15, 2008
Olivia/kate and friends-saw wicked on sunday night 13th,awesome show,the two lead females fantastic,rob mills was a great prince,acted well,his voice is not as strong as the rest of the cast,a bit soft but he did the job and was very funny,-Anthony Callea-as Boq-cute,cute,cute,he was a great munchkin,he looked the part,we just wanted to take him home(in a nice way) boq is in love with Glinda,but she pays no notice,he has a top voice and he is hot-we can always dream,i guess,Nessarose-wonderful she is in love with boq,its like a soap opera,Rob guest and Maggie-legends,Dr dillamond,outstanding.Top show,u will love it.Great effects,the sunday show audience gave a full standing ovation.the cast must of been exhausted,as a few voices seemed croaky,after all it was after opening nite,but wicked will be in melbourne for a few while,xo OLI,KATE,MICHELLE AND RITA
nora
July 19, 2008
I saw this play, and it is awesome!!!! So clever.
Joann
July 21, 2008
lve been to the show 5 times now and going 5 more times l think the show is amazing anth is so good at playing Boq and the other cast are so good too also the songs are amazing too when you see this show for the 1st time you want to go again and again this show is not to be missed love from Joann
Eliza
July 28, 2008
I loved it!! Lucy and Amanda are just astonishgly good as Glinda and Elphaba, star making roles, and they sure make the most of them. Penny MacNamee and Anthony Callea are the best Nessa/Boq pair I've seen and the rest of the cast are jus wonderful too. I'd urge everyone to go see this show, you won't be disappointed.
lizzy
August 01, 2008
omg it is a have to see!! amanda was amazing!!!!! especially in no good deed and lucy was awesome too highly recomend it!!!!!
Fi
August 02, 2008
It was spectacular - we came down from Sydney, no regrets. Even the stand-by's were spectacular, the whole show is just stunning. costumes are amazing and the music itself is divine. Get the soundtrack and see for yourself if you don't believe it!
fiona thomas
August 03, 2008
what a fantastic show congratulations to all concerned
Stephen
August 03, 2008
Just got back from the 1pm Sunday show ... Fantastic .. I will be going back soon .. really funny and really well done story ..
Alana
August 05, 2008
Fabulous show. The two main stars are just wonderful - Amanda Harrison is brilliant and Lucy Durack is a great Glinda. The majority of the rest of the cast is also fantastic, but Rob Mills acting is good, but he needs to work on his dancing and vocal strength to truly nail the part - he may also need to watch his attention seeking ways during curtain call - it's poor form trying to draw attention to yourself during someone elses bows.
caity
August 17, 2008
everyone should go see this...i really wanted the soundtrack with the melbourne cast they were just amazing. anyone know why they didnt make a cd?
Lyn
August 18, 2008
Thinking of taking a 6 and 8 year old. A bit long? Too scarey?
Helen
August 23, 2008
Lyn, I think your kids will be fine - the head of Oz is a little scary but kids these days see much scarier!
Supersoph
September 05, 2008
From the moment i heard about the show i feel in love with it. It's magical and miss understood journey carried me away! From the start i have always been a Elphaba Fan. I have always loved green but she just captied my hart from word go. I saw july the 13th and I loved it then but i didn't know that as an erly birthday present i also saw it on september the 3rd it was extra Good ! I was a bit disapointed at first that Amanda didn't do the show but i got over it . Gemma was just as good! The person i Loved the most not just because he is Hot but always loved him was Rob mills ! He was born to play That role ! Some who i thought also was a stand out was Penny who played Nessashe was great ! Love you Penny ! The whole show is what people say and defiently more! If i had the chance to i would see it every day ! But i live in Adelaide so it's a bit hard !
heather
September 12, 2008
I saw the show a short while back and it's a spectacular piece of theatre. The whole cast are outstanding. I confess I went specially to see Anthony callea as Boq and was very happy to see him do so well with the acting. his singing is a given. But I have to mention also Lucay and Amanda who were standouts in their particular roles. Scenery, costumes, stage effects, cast, music .... al outstanding. Do yourselves a favour and go several times. I plan to.
Maria
September 17, 2008
The show was absolutely spectacular and is definitely for all age groups. A bit of a twist on the Wizard of Oz.
Nicole Marshall
September 29, 2008
Any body should go and see wicked it is just amazing. All of the cast are brath taking!
Taz
October 03, 2008
Rest In Peace Mr Guest - you will be missed :(
helen
October 23, 2008
i saw WICKED on the 15th October and it is definatly going to be a real challenge to have another show beat this one!!!
wendy/ olivia
October 26, 2008
Recently in Melb my 9 year old daughter and i saw wicked never seen anythink like it as in Tassie it just does not happen fantastic we are now hoping to do more shows but it will have to be good to beat wicked staff at the thearte were great and looked after us
helen
November 04, 2008
the best show in history and i've seen my fair share!! totally captivating through all aspects.
Vicki
November 06, 2008
Loved this show. Lucy and Amanda are uber talented! Penny and Anthony are just gorgeous as Nessa and Boq, and even Millsy puts in a fair performance. Well worth the money!!
Trevor
November 07, 2008
I saw the show in London when it first opened with Idina Menzel - and Adam Garcia - since then I've been plugging it everywhere - it is the best show ever - Go Green - go See it
Isaac
November 12, 2008
Fantastic news to see Bert take over the Wizard Role. I remember him in Beauty and the Beast with Hugh Jackman. It's a shame to lose Rob Guest, but a great replacement!
Heather
November 20, 2008
Sad to hear that Anthony callea will finish with the show in January. You won't see a better Boq. Will see it again before he leaves. (3 times)
Kathryn-Amanda
November 27, 2008
I saw Wicked with Amanda Harrison and she just blew me away with her singing she has the best voice I've ever heard.Even though she was green she looked very Beautiful and did an outstanding performance.It is the best show i have ever seen and nothing else will be better than Australia's 2008 performances of Wicked!!! Well Done Amanda Harrison and Lucy Durack and the rest of the cast!You all did a fabulous job!
Sarah
December 03, 2008
i saw wicked last holidays. oh my gosh i can offically that it was the BEST musical i have ever seen ( and let me tell you i am MUSICAL OBSESSED) i actually met rob mills after the show ( Fieyro) anyone who is umming and arring about seeing it i can offically say that DONT! i would fly from the other side of the WORLD to see wicked! :) i LOVED it. Defy Gravity BEST SONG EVER all cast were AMAZING
Robert
December 08, 2008
In a word Stunning, a must see for all. 7th December
Kathryn-Amanda
December 28, 2008
Amanda i fell in love with your singing.you are amazing!How do you do it?
stephanie
January 01, 2009
i saw the show in August and this was an amazing experience to find out why the characters are the way they are in the wizard of oz like the scarecrow and lion it all makes sence now. the cast were breathtaking and you really do get lost in the fatasty of the story. i went went there not knowing what to expect and it was the most powering musical i have ever scene. the costumes,makeup,set were fantastic. when you are there in the audience you really do feel part of the show. the cast did an amzing job, if you have not seen it, what are you waiting for if you don't you will regret it.we have so many talented performers who outdid themselves. RIP Rob Guest an amazing wizard who will never be replaced
Gypsy
January 12, 2009
1st saw this quite a few months ago, and saw it again last week - we had Patrice as Elphaba this time and she was stunning! On a par with Amanda, and I didn't think that would be possible!! Bert is a loveable Wizard, but I definitely missed Rob Guest in the role - also missed Anthony Callea as Boq, Stuart Fisher was quite good, but didn't have that cheeky charm that Anthony had.
Felicity
January 17, 2009
this is the best musical that ever was fantastic nothing can bring this blockbuster down
Ewen
January 27, 2009
The perfect anniversary present was the matinee of Wicked last Saturday, two new Witches who were both fantastic. Bert is wonderful and the story is great. Am pleased to say there are flying monkeys too!
montana
March 04, 2009
amazing amazing show. i saw it on 25th Feb 2009, wednesday matinee. Jemma Stevenson was Elphaba. She was amazing. I was so, so, so impressed. I'm going back next week to hopefully see Amanda perform, cause if she could beat Jemma out of the role, she must be simply genius!! But, then again, I'd probably be dissapointed to not see Jemma again too! Might have to go a 3rd time!!!!!!!!!!
Freda
March 31, 2009
I was in Melbourne to visit my relatives and thankfully saw ads on Wicked!. I've been wanting to watch it since when ti started but the musical never came to Singapore. So I begged my mum and we watched the matinee performance. IT WAS AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEE! jemma stevenson was great, power vocals. Wanna watch it again at other places another time.
Freda
March 31, 2009
a correction: Watched a show where Amanda wasn't performing but someone else as Elphaba. I can't remember her name but I do know she was in We Will Rock You, had a very musical family background, mixed blood or something, and I was blown away by her vocals and acting. On a whole, I enjoyed my very first Wicked experience.
mel
June 02, 2009
this is the best musical i have seen since "oliver". the props and costumes were amazing. this is well worth seeing. i saw it in melbourne, and will be going again when it comes to sydney
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