‘Wicked’ prepares to tour Australia
Due to extraordinary demand, new tickets were released this week for the Melbourne season of the musical theatre blockbuster Wicked. Starting May 7, audiences can expect a stellar cast, beautiful set and the same award-winning story of two unlikely friends who grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Wicked Australian Co-Producer John Frost said, “Bookings are very strong for the return of Wicked to Melbourne – it really is the most successful Broadway musical of the past decade. Audiences can’t wait to see this glorious show back in its original Australian home, the beautiful Regent Theatre, Melbourne this year.”
Frost also announced that Wicked would make its way to Sydney and Brisbane following the Melbourne season. Sydney’s Capitol Theatre will be first, hosting the musical from September 20. Tickets for the Sydney season will go on sale on March 17.
This 10th anniversary tour of Wicked was announced last October to the delight of many longtime fans. Called “one of the most successful shows in Broadway history” by The New York Times, Wicked has been seen by over 38 million people across the globe, grossing over $3.1 billion in worldwide box office, and its estimated more than two million people have enjoyed the Australian production.
This Australian production of Wicked will star Lucy Durack as “Glinda” and Jemma Rix as “Elphaba,” both reprising the roles that shot them to stardom during the original national tour. Joining the Wicked company in his first musical theatre leading role will be Steve Danielsen as “Fiyero,” while doyenne of stage and screen Maggie Kirkpatrick returns as “Madame Morrible.” Plus, playing “Doctor Dillamond” will be Glen Hogstrom, the role of “Nessarose” will be played by newcomer Emily Cascarino and Edward Grey will play “Boq.”
The Australian cast is currently performing in Manila, the Philippines, where they have received a rapturous response from sell out audiences. Wicked broke all box office records for the number of tickets sold in a week when it first went on sale in Manila in August. The Philippine Star said, “No amount of superlatives can capture what this decade-long, multi-award winner of a musical that originated in Broadway has to offer for its audiences.”
Broadway’s #1 show for an unprecedented 10 consecutive years, Wicked has been declared “a cultural phenomenon” by Variety and “the best musical of the decade” by Entertainment Weekly. For more information on the Australian 10th anniversary tour, visit wickedthemusical.com.au. To book tickets to Melbourne performances, visit ticketmaster.com.au.