I was watching Priscilla several months prior and the advertisement for Wicked caught my eye. I did some reasearch on the internet later on, predominantly on youtube and the watched "Defying Gravity". I fell in love and bought tickets soon after they were released though by that time it had become so popular that I was only able to get a seat near the back of the dress circle.

I must say that on the actual night I was slightly dissapointed when they announced that Jemma Stevenson and Lucy's standby were to be performing but it ended up OK. Jemma's voice was weak and the girl that played Glinda, Erin Hasan easily dominated "For Good". However, "Defying Gravity" was still exhilarating and Stevenson indeed proved that she did have power in her vocals. As for Hasan, the programme states that it is her professional theatre debut. Not Bad. Beautiful voice, funny when it was required. Rob Mill's vocals were good but his dancing was shocking. (watch out for the bit where he tries to do the wave up his body LOL) By far, the standout performance for me, though short was Penny McNamee. Her voice was excellent and the quality of her acting was amazing.

I would definitely recommend you to see this at least once.

Let me start by saying that i have seen my very fair share of musically from Phantom to The Lion King, Guys and Dolls to Star Light Express, quiet frankly there are too many to name. I say this because in all my theatre outings I have only ever given 2 standing ovations, the first was to The Lion King, by favourite cartoon created into a magically stage production, and the other I made on Wedneday night 13/08/08 at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne, when I saw WICKED.

I am completely in love with Amanda Harrison (Elphaba). She took my breath away, and seeing Defying Gravity has given me a new lease on my life. I want to do things that i have not wanted to do in years all because of that song. I know this may sound kind of silly, I mean its only a song right, well not for me, this song has reminded me of the thiings in life that we put off and deny because someone tells us to. Well not me, not anymore. The writers of this production have given people world wide the inspiration to do the things they may have otherwise been too scared to do.
But back to personal reviews. Lucy showed true talent staying in character throughout the performance, she did break a few times while singing but it is never an easy task to sing in character. Rob Mills I have to admitt I was a little worried about, but he was very charming as Fiyero, I was not much for Anthony in the produciton, he played his character well and did not go too overboard. Rob Guest and Maggie Kirkpatrick were a joy to watch together. Maggie bought that underhanded mean streak that she was so well known for in Prisoner and Rob made you believe that he was doing nothing wrong, only what was expected of the wonderful wizard.
I am going back in September for another dose of the most wonderful, I mean WICKED production ever to grace the Regent Theatre stage.
Thank you so much to the talented cast and crew, you have made a normal theatre goer, an obsessed one, and I can not thank you enough.

Ummm... shall I say more?? I loved it and I am desperate to see it again!

That is it from me! I think I got my message across! lol :) xo

Firstly let me start this review by saying I am a little obsessed with 'Wicked'. Not 'crazy stalker' obsessed but still-a bit of a nut when it comes to my love of this show.
I'm saying this partly as a disclaimer-a production would have to be dreadful for me to dislike it.
The ensemble were the best ensemble that I recall seeing in any musical production. Their voices were strong and they all had great presence.
The saying 'All that glitters is gold' is what springs to mind when I think of Lucy Durack. From her first entrance surrounded in bubbles, to her last note in the final scene, she lived the part. One thing I adored from her performance was that she incorporated a child like wonder to many of her scenes. Watching her trying to turn Elphaba's dress into a ballgown was like watching a child playing make believe. I cannot rave about her enough. The best G(a)linda I have ever seen.
She is equally matched by Amanda Harrison's impressive Elphaba. It is a joy to see her belting out the big notes and she is a talented actress.
Maggie Kirkpatrick offers a sinister Morrible and is all the more fun once her true colours start to show themselves at the end of Act 1.
Rob Mills is a pleasant surprise as Fiyero. I had my doubts that he would be very strong in this role but he is the best Fiyero that I have seen. He has obviously worked very hard on his voice.
Rob Guest plays a vulnerable Wizard and he and Kirkpatrick work very well together. You really feel that he is only doing what he does because he has no other choice as he can see it; whereas Morrible is driven by a lust for greed and power.
Anthony Callea is an endearing Boq. He sings the part beautifully (doesn't over sing it ). His acting is good and will continue to improve as the run continues.
This production is every bit as good as the Broadway production and much better than the LA production.I am very proud of the Australian cast.
P.S Will post a small review of Sun 27th 6.30pm

To say Wicked is spectacular is an understatement. The combination of wonderful acting, fantastic effects created a show that left the audience captivated and drawn into the plot. With a mix of drama, fantasy, love and comedy makes this one of the best musicals I have seen. All of the cast were amazing and no-one disappoints.
Amanda Harrison as Elphaba the not yet bad witch, has one of the best female voices I have heard, she owns the stage and in my opinion is at the top of the ladder of any Elphie’s around the world. Defying Gravity had you on the edge of your seat & the hairs on the back of you neck stand up.
Lucy Durack as Galinda (miss bubble) the not yet good witch, was born to play this role I have never seen a person more suited to a character; her comic timing is impeccable along with a personality and perkiness to suit.
Rob Guest as the manipulative Wizard, brings his vast stage/theatre experience which shines through, a Wonderful Wizard .
Maggie Kirkpatrick as Madam Morrible couldn’t have been cast better she has a very commanding presence on stage & sends the fear of god when she opens her mouth.
Rob Mills as Fireyo a bit of a surprise plays the part as the shallow playboy/turned hero well, his voice was better than I remembered,acting good but disappointed in his dancing skills which fell short,came across as quite stiff & contrived.
Anthony Callea as Boq the endearing munchkin, in love with Galinda was great casting. He plays the role of the love struck munchkin with gentle charm & sweetness I was impressed, he has a beautiful voice.
If you are still not sure if this show is for you, the only way you will ever know is to go and see for yourself. I did not hear one person at the show have anything, but positive comments about and also from people who have seen other Wicked productions overseas. From the music to the effects to the storyline, Wicked will change the way you think.
In short Wicked was truly wicked in every sense of the word.

From the beginning, you know the Australian production of Wicked is going to be different - Gone is the large revolving hat many of us have come to expect opening the show, and instead, we are presented with a version that hits it's audience with an incredible light and projection display... From the beginning, you know this show is going to be a winner... Many who have seen this show elsewhere will want to draw parallels between its sister shows - I for one went in with echos of broadway still ringing through my head - I am very happy to say that this production MORE than holds it's own... It forges ahead to be one perhaps the best version of Wicked I think I've ever seen or heard... Amanda Harrison's Elphaba is a fiesty, passionate and emotive one... Her portrayel of the green girl is a sight to behold - Bold and intricate, not a single point is missed by Amanda's ability to make this role her own... Her acting is real - She IS Elphie - Her overall connection to her fellow characters is electric... Her version of Defying Gravity is the best I have ever heard - Powerful as it is moving, you sit there stunned at just how amazing her voice truly is... Being a Sunday matinee, we had Erin Hasan playing G(a)linda... At first I was disappointed to hear this - But Erin did an incredible job... Though seemingly unsure of herself in parts, she held her own against the principals - Her rendition of Popular was quirky and fun... And her ability to "get serious" was very impressive as her character takes a turn throughout act 2... I don't think I was the only guy to roll his eyes when he heard that Rob Mills was playing Fiyero... BUT - I can honestly say that I have changed my tune in regards to what I think of him playing the role - Mills was spot on with his portrayel of the carefree Prince... Callea sings Boq perfectly, but acting wise the Munchkin falls short... Lighting and costumes were AWESOME - Choreography fantastic... The Ensemble is WORLD CLASS...

I saw Wicked on Broadway late last year with Stephanie J Block (who is amazing!!!!) and I have to admit I was unsure what to expect from our aussie version. but im so happy to say that i wasn't at all disappointed! The aussie cast should be so proud that they have created a show that is on par with the rest of the world!! Amanda Harrison and Lucy Durack are absolutely fabulous!! we met them after the show and they are both so humble and down to earth! The only let down for me was Anthony Callea's acting, tho his singing was fairly good. The ensemble was fantastic! though I had to laugh when i read one of their profiles (back page) she says something about " patrice is a young, beautiful and extremely talented person" hahaha who says that about themselves? how funny :p
but if you're thinking about seeing it, go! you wont regret it!!!

"Wicked" would come close to being the best "musical" I have ever had the privilege of seeing on Broadway! It is fresh, witty, with totally engaging characters, visually stunning, electrifying score, choreographically amazing and different (not to mention demanding on the dancers) - accolades to Wayne Cilento and Joe Mantello. Genius! It's an absolute delight. Outstanding staging, lighting and costumes. I couldn't talk about it afterwards for several hours, otherwise I'd cry. It stays with you. It is an intelligent fairytale - thought provoking and deep - with so many levels. There are many messages and you'll take something when you leave. The storyline is woven together in such a clever and unique way incorporating "moments" from The Wizard of Oz, with twists and turns - you don't see coming. You don't see shows as classy as this very often.

Saw Australian production on ‘Wednesday July 9 – a Preview. Could have been a performance. Didn’t see Callea or Durack as both were off. The S/By for Glinda, Erin Hasan was on. This was her first performance in the role. She was bloody amazing.

This is the 2nd time I’ve seen it in the space of 3 years. You get more from it each time. My mum has seen in on three continents and, in her opinion, AMANDA HARRISON is THE BEST Elphaba, she has ever seen.

Amanda is PHENOMENAL. She brings a humanity, realism to Elphaba – that no other performer we have seen in the role, does.

Amanda and Erin received a full standing ovation from the house. AND ABSOLUTELY DESERVED. For them, and the entire cast.

I met Rob Mills following the show, and he is an absoulte delight.

It will be one hell of a night in Melbourne, tonight!!!

Everyone who isn't there will be GREEN with envy ...

DON'T MISS THIS SHOW!

Mel