Wicked The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz

To this veteran ‘Wicked-watcher’, who has seen the production six times over the years, the prospect of an amateur version with mainly youth, was a challenge. How would a traditionally ‘adult’ show work in this format?

A hugely pleasant surprise awaited at the Walford School Theatre on the opening night of Wicked. Not only was the show visually spectacular, but musically quite solid. Shane Davidson certainly has a delightful show on his hands with this production of Wicked. A show like this, which is well-known and held dearly in people’s hearts, mainly cast with youth and children, could potentially have been ‘underdone’. However, this production is joyful and the talent presented very much worth seeing.

As the opening phrases of the music swelled, I and the rest of the audience, were in the moment. The orchestra, led by Tim de Jong is solid. In places tempos needed to be increased and there was occasional imbalance of volume over vocals, but this will iron out as the show runs.  

Jessica Vlachoulis flawlessly delivers her notes with apparent ease as Galinda and her characterisation, in terms of physicality and character, is impressive. From her hair tossing, delightful squeals and joyfully physical rendition of ‘Popular’ to the soulful version of ‘For Good’, Vlachoulis shows a strong versatility and depth of talent. Aimee Sydney- Jones’ Elphaba is also excellent. From the naiveté of young Elphie attending school for the first time to the strong, empowered woman with which the show ends, her characterisation is clever and fun to watch. Her vocals, too, are outstanding- some beautiful moments in ‘The Wizard and I’, ‘Defying Gravity’ and the romantic, ‘As long as you’re mine’. These two young women, together, combine to create a bond that is entertaining to watch and joyful to hear.

These ladies are ably supported by the beautiful vocals of the dashing hero, Fiyero, played with charisma by Zac Moore (a talent to watch) and the deliciously powerful India Goodhand as Madam Morrible. As the Wizard, William Richard shows talent as a singer and dancer with a very entertaining rendition of ‘Wonderful’, however I felt that his characterisation needed a little more power and intimidation. Daniel Watkins was charming and eloquent as Dr Dillamond, Jack Raftopoulos presented a Boq with whom it was easy to empathise and Isabelle Oppedisano did a sterling job, with beautiful vocals as Nessa Rose, despite some issues with the automated wheelchair on opening night.

Whilst these main characters are the focal points of the show, the other cast members and ensemble deserve high praise for their efforts. Being mainly a female ensemble did cause some harmonies to lack a little depth, particularly in ‘No one mourns the Wicked’ which really needs male voices to round it. The younger children in the ensemble are also to be congratulated on focus and vitality.

Choreography, ably created by Sarah Humeniuk was generally strong and vibrant, although I felt at times that more of the vast expanse of stage could have been used to give the impression of larger numbers.

Add to this quality of performance the beautifully colourful costumes by Vanessa Lee Shirley, visually clever set of cogs, clocks and moving rostra by Peter Howie, lighting, by Greg Donhardt, that effectively uses a myriad of colours and interesting stage decals and the show explodes in colour and excitement. Whilst opening night had its share of long scene changes, crew visible on set and late lighting cues, these will I am certain, be polished for a smoother flow before the next performance.

This die-hard Wicked fan was sold from the very first bar of music to the final chord. An impressive production, nurtured and developed well by Director Shane Davidson and the talented Dianne K Lang as Co- Director, it was easy to forget that most of the performers were 19 years and under. Wicked is a demanding show- technically and physically- and the team has created a production which is beautifully staged, acted and sung.

Certainly well worth a look, Adelaide, to see some amazingly talented young people!

Shelley Hampton