Australia’s New Elphaba and Glinda

On behalf of his co-producers Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone, John Frost for Crossroads Live has announced the two young actresses who have secured the roles of Elphaba and Glinda in WICKED, which flies into Australia’s Emerald City at the Sydney Lyric from 25 August.

Sheridan Adams will play Elphaba, the girl born with emerald-green skin who grows up to become the “Wicked Witch of the West”, while Courtney Monsma will play Glinda, the bubbly, popular girl who becomes “Glinda the Good”.

A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, Sheridan Adams has performed in the ensemble of Tick, Tick… Boom! (Storeyboard Entertainment) and Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical (David Venn Enterprises). Elphaba is Sheridan’s first leading role.

Since graduating from the Queensland Conservatorium, Courtney Monsma has quickly become an artist in demand, performing in Six The Musical, Mamma Mia! and the Australasian tour of Aladdin. She is best known for starring as Princess Anna in the recent Australian tour of Disney’s Frozen, and is currently filming the new Australian drama series Paper Dolls, in which she plays one of five aspiring singers who are thrust into the spotlight in pursuit of pop-stardom and fame.

The producers are thrilled to have been able to cast such strong leading performers. “When Sheridan auditioned for an ensemble role and we heard her sing Defying Gravity, we were mesmerised. When she sang Defying Gravity four times in a row, getting stronger each time, we immediately knew we had found our Elphaba,” said John Frost. “Courtney has proven to be an exciting performer in Frozen, Six and Aladdin, but we didn’t know how funny she could be until she blew us away during the auditions. We are so excited to have Australia’s two most electrifying new leading ladies play Elphaba and Glinda.

“We’re delighted also that Sydney has embraced WICKED and tickets are flying out the door. The show is loved by Australians and over the past 19 years it has certainly become one of the most loved musicals of all time. We can’t wait for it to open in Sydney in August and for audiences to fall in love with Sheridan Adams and Courtney Monsma – don’t miss out!”.

Sheridan Adams is elated to be playing the role of Elphaba. “WICKED is a very special show for so many people, including me. Elphaba has been my dream role since I was young. My first experience was on You Tube, watching Idina Menzel sing Defying Gravity, and I sang it all the time. Then my Mum bought me The Grimmerie, and I finally got to see the show when I was 16. This is a dream come true.”