Miranda’s Wicked Creative Team
Miranda Musical Society presents Wicked at Sutherland Entertainment Centre from March 22 to 26, 2017. The creative team of Director Tim Dennis, Musical Director Andrew Howie and Choreographer Craig Nhobbs chat about the joys and challenges of staging perhaps the world’s most ‘popular’ musical.
When did you first see Wicked and what was your initial reaction to the show?
TIM: Wicked was first passed to me as a “you must listen to this” way back in 2004. I ignored it for about a year and then thought I should give it a go. 10 seconds into “No One Mourns the Wicked” I was kicking myself for leaving it so long. I’ve been completely in love with the show ever since!
ANDREW: The first production I saw was here in Sydney, but I was aware of the show well before this, as a fan of Stephen Schwartz’s previous work. I have since seen Broadway and West End productions of the show and am always amazed at the performances.
CRAIG: I first saw Wicked in 2009 when it came to Sydney. I didn’t know much about the musical before seeing it but instantly fell in love with the clever and creative spin of what happened prior to the Wizard of Oz.
Why do you think Wicked is so popular?
TIM: I think the show has that fine balance between high drama, comedy and the everyday, and that appeals to a wide variety of audiences. Small wisdoms pepper the lyrics and dialogue and people appreciate those. Even though the characters inhabit the fictitious land of Oz, we’ve all seen those characters in our lives.
ANDREW: It is the whole package. Being based on one of the most well known stories of all time, means that everyone knows the characters and gets to discover a new take on who each character was before Dorothy dropped in. The music is clever and exciting - every time I have seen or played in the show, the audience has erupted at various big musical moments.
CRAIG: The music and lyrics are so engaging and exciting that you have no choice but to get swept up in the magic. I find the story is more interesting and engaging than you typically see in a musical.
Do you have a favourite character, and if so, why?
TIM: Hah! Yeah, thanks for asking that question! I see a mile of trouble from my cast depending on my answer! While I like most of the characters, I have to choose Elphaba and Glinda, I can’t single either out, their stories are really so entwined throughout the show. Glinda takes such a long journey from the self-centred spoilt girl to someone concerned for all the denizens of Oz and taking on the responsibility of leading the land. Elphaba, even while rejected and reviled, stays true to her principals of what is fair and right.
ANDREW: When you look closely, each character has their own transformation throughout the show. I can’t say who my favourite is, though I would have to say Elphaba and Nessa-Rose have my favourite musical moments in the show.
CRAIG: My favourite character is definitely Elphaba. She has spent her life chasing a hopeless quest for her father’s love but has grown to realise that only she can make herself whole. My fave Elphaba quote is “Too long I’ve been afraid of losing love I guess I’ve lost, well if that’s love, it comes at much too high a cost”
What would you say the main themes around Wicked are?
TIM: There are a number of themes. Firstly is the perception of Good and Evil. The ability for anyone to be labelled as good or wicked, depending on what news or sound-bites are available and who is releasing them. Diversity and intolerance are also key themes. And of course the theme of friendship and how it can bridge enormous divisions to forge unlikely but ultimately strong bonds.
ANDREW: To stop taking things at face value. So often we make judgments about people before we get to know them properly. Wicked was one of the first big Broadway shows to present a story where the romantic plot line came secondary to a story about the friendship between two strong women.
CRAIG: The main themes in Wicked are friendship, acceptance and understanding. There’s also a really fun “girl power” message aimed at kids growing up believing they could do and be anything they wanted which is great to see.
Wicked has been a huge hit around the world, how will this production compare?
TIM: We have a tremendously invested group of people, right from my Production Team, to teams creating the set, lighting, costuming and properties, through to the wonderful cast and ensemble. It’s been a while since I have seen this level of excitement and engagement completely throughout the production and my main task has just been to channel all that enthusiasm! What this means for the audience is that there is a huge amount of talent and enthusiasm flowing across the footlights and into their laps. All they will need to do is sit back, relax and let us take them on this magical ride through Oz.
ANDREW: With the full orchestration, professional keyboard programming and the dedication of the whole MMS family, we have a massive production on our hands that we hope will be just as impressive and enjoyable as any professional production.
What was the thinking around having understudies for the two leads?
TIM: Defying Gravity, The Wizard and I and No Good Deed – in addition to seven other songs and all the dramatic needs of the role. Meanwhile, the Galinda score has a massive range to cover and, as mentioned, a very important character journey. To ensure we give the best opportunity to our patrons to see this wonderful and popular show, we’ve added 2 extra performances to our normal season. Our two alternates – Rachel and Rebecca – are quite amazing and the rapport they have developed in performance with each other is beautiful to watch.
Have there been any challenges with the cast learning the score?
ANDREW: Die-hard fans of the show know it back to front and may think - oh it’s not that difficult, but in fact the music is deceptively challenging. Not only do the leads require the stamina and technique to pull it off, but the ensemble have a challenging job, where ensemble numbers are sometimes written in 8-part harmony. When you add Craig’s choreography into the mix, you realise how tough it really is, but our cast are definitely rising to the challenge.
What would you say the choreographic style of Wicked is?
CRAIG: One of the best things about Wicked is that it’s set in a truly unique environment. This has given me the chance to really create a distinctive style which emcompasses the growth of the characters throughout story. From the sharp, angled and structured students, to the quirky and elegant Ozians, there is an exciting blend of Broadway Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary styles.
Who should see this show? Is it suitable for everyone?
TIM: Yes, I think it is suitable for everyone! Young, old and in-between, there’s something to entertain everyone. The magic of Oz has already been part of many people’s lives through the movie, so presenting this “alternate history” adds another dimension to the story. Stephen Schwartz’s most powerful and popular work is a real must-see for everyone!
CRAIG: The beauty of this show is that it’s suitable for all ages! Kids will love the colour, music, movement and magic tricks, teens will love the exciting story, the big dance numbers and the love/hate relationships throughout the show, adults will love the “what happened before Dorothy landed in Oz” storylines and Grand Parents will love the beauty and enormity of the show.
MIRANDA MUSICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS ‘WICKED’
SUTHERLAND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE: www.mirandamusicalsociety.com.au
PHONE: (02) 8814 5827 March 22 -26 (Note: 2 extra matinees- Fri 24th & Sunday 26th)
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