Fabulous one-day itineraries designed exclusively for SilverKris readers.
Paris
Milan
Find flights or check-in online at www.singaporeair.com
Content accurate at time of publication
01 Dec 2011
Wicked, one of the most successful musicals of all time, kicks off its Asian tour in Singapore this December. JENNA CLARKE, who watched the show when it played in Perth recently, tells us what to expect. 
Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel of the same name, Wicked runs alongside the plotline of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and L. Frank Baum’s children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The story starts with Glinda (above right) and Elphaba (above left) meeting at school and becoming friends after an awkward dance scene, which would not be out of place in the hit musical TV series Glee. They then become rivals in love, vying for the affections of the dapper Fiyero (played by David Harris).
When I watched the play, Perth girl Lucy Durack stole the show as the gag-a-minute Glinda the Good Witch, a role she has owned since the hit Broadway musical launched in Australia in 2008. For the Asian tour, her understudy of three years Suzie Mathers will tread the boards in the famous 25kg blue-sequinned bubble dress.
Meanwhile, Glinda’s best frenemy Elphaba the Wicked Witch, played by Celine Dion-soundalike Jemma Rix, is a green-skinned, heart-of-gold version of Miranda from Sex and The City – all laconic wit and stinging sarcasm. The exchanges between the two witches are definitely a highlight.
All is not well in the magical state of Oz, as people begin to fear – and cage – talking animals. Elphaba is the only activist against it.
Oz aficionados will be treated to lots of “A-ha!” moments as questions like why the wicked witch is green, and why the ruby slippers are so special, are answered. The cowardly Lion, heartless Tin Man and Scarecrow are also introduced.
This spectacular stage performance makes it easy to see why the fascinating story, along with its comedic delivery, soundtrack and costumes, is a worldwide phenomenon.
The award-winning musical will run from December 6 to February 26, 2012 at Marina Bay Sands.
PHOTO ANDREW RITCHIE
leave a comment