Wicked

Packemin’s production of the Stephen Schwartz musical spectacle Wicked was an incredible night of theatre. The theatre’s foyer was abuzz, waiting for the doors to open; everyone waiting to witness what the group would deliver with this magical musical.

Walking into the Riverside Theatre I wasn’t disappointed, but amazed, at what I saw, all before the main set was revealed. The map of Oz centre stage looked stunning, and I thought, 'we are in for a something special'. When the Overture began, played with vigour by Peter Hayward’s orchestra, we noticed many odd creatures appear on stage lead out by Cameron Boxall as Chistery, the head of the monkeys, whose physicality was exceptional.

The stage opened up on a striking set and cast for the opening number "No One Mourns The Wicked", which was brilliantly sung by the ensemble. Mikayla Williams, as the Good Witch Galinda, descended as if from the sky. This entrance onto the stage was one of the highlight set pieces. Williams’ delivery of her vocals was spectacular and she didn’t seem to use the higher pitched sound that has been delivered in professional productions.

The ensemble all looked stunning in their opening number costumes, with costuming equally splendid throughout the show. Next we met the other Witch, Elphaba played by Ashleigh O’Brien, in all her green make-up. O’Brien lit up the stage with her presence from her first entrance, youthfully portraying the lonely and different-to-the-norm character. Throughout the show both Williams and O’Brien shared many special moments on stage vocally and dramatically, none more evident than in the well-known song “Popular”, sung by Galinda. Character portrayal by both women balanced the comical with exploring the emotions of each on their journey to becoming friends. O’Brien performed “Defying Gravity” with so much maturity that you can just tell she is destined for a career in Musical Theatre.

Other stand-out performances came from Jeremy Curtin as Doctor Dillamond the talking Goat, a school teacher at Shiz, where a lot of the action in the first half takes place. Curtin’s delivery in every aspect was brilliant and made you feel sympathy for him. Wayne Scott Kermond gave a very physical performance as The Wizard and his number “Wonderful” was simply that.

Both young male leads, played by Nicholas Richard as Boq and Linden Furnell as Fiyero, stood their own against the brilliance of Williams and O’Brien. For me Furnell warmed into the role throughout, but vocally was powerful in every line he sang. Richard played the timid Boq wonderfully and showed the right amount of strength when needed in fighting with Nessa Rose, before being transformed into the Tin Man.

Neil Gooding and team have mounted an exceptional production; from the sets (made by CLOC in Melbourne), to the performances on stage. From the detailed costumes to making Elphaba fly, it is a treat for all.

Wicked was one of the most amazing theatre performances I have seen in a long time.

James Russell

Photographer: Grant Leslie, Perfect Images Photography.