Dazzling take on a classic
THE amateur rights to the hit musical Wicked became available early last year and the Townsville Choral Society jumped at the chance to present this blockbuster in the North.
It’s a big show – big set, big music, big costumes and a big cast requiring a big load of talent. Fortunately, Townsville can deliver all these requirements in spades.
The plot follows the two witches from L Frank Baum’s classic novel The Wizard of Oz, Glinda the Good and Elpheba, the Wicked Witch of the West in an imagined story from their schooldays through until the unseen Dorothy and her companions arrive in the Emerald City.
The story touches on many social issues, such as unfettered power, propaganda, racism and suppression of free expression.
In the lead roles are Courtney Dibben as the seemingly blonde airhead Galinda ( later Glinda) and Nina Lippmann as the greenskinned Elpheba. There are so many superlatives that could be used to describe the pair, but suffice to say their performances are of a standard seldom seen on this stage. Their onstage chemistry is sincere and their voices are sublime.
Theirs is a beautiful friendship which shines through despite their constant altercations.
Joining them on stage is a plethora of outstanding performers, such as Brady Cronin as Fiyero, the inimitable Sandra Neal as Madam Morrible, Patrick Higgins as the Wizard, Jasmin Delle Baite as Nessa Rose and Brett Greenland as Dr Dillamond. Each deserves high praise for their performances. There is also a chorus and dance troupe of nearly 40 and all are faultless.
Add a creative set, great lighting, well- balanced sound and it all adds up to stunning visual effects. These days it is simply expected that an orchestra under the baton of Ryan Christoffersen will be impeccable and this one lives up to that expectation. Chris Davis’ choreography is brilliant and Josh ServiceBarrett and his team have assembled a dazzling wardrobe of costumes and wigs.
But in the end, it is necessary to keep returning to the amazingly talented Courtney Dibben and Nina Lippmann as the witches. Congratulations to the codirectors, Andrew Higgins and D’Arcy Mullamphy, on the casting and realisation of a dream show.
This production could be performed anywhere and be considered as totally professional. It’s fun, it’s filled with great songs and you will fall in love with our heroines. There aren’t a lot of seats left so make sure you book today.
Wicked is on stage at the Civic Theatre. The final six performances are this week, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm, with a 1pm matinee on Saturday and a 4pm twilight performance on Sunday. Tickets are available from ticketshop. com. au or on 4727 9797. RAY DICKSON