The popular musical Wicked is returning to Australian stages. A production will open in Sydney in August 2023 at the Sydney Lyric.
Almost 20 years since its premiere, Wicked remains one of the most successful and popular musicals in the world. Winner of over 100 major awards including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award, six Helpmann Awards, three Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards.
The musical has played in 16 countries around the world including Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, The Philippines, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, and has been translated into six languages. By the time of its first performance in Sydney, Wicked will have become the 4th longest running show in Broadway history, surpassing Cats.
The novel Wicked by Gregory Maguire, published in 1995, has sold 5.5 million copies, with 5 million of those sold since 2003 when the musical opened. Buoyed by the musical’s success, the novel has appeared on bestseller lists for close to two decades since its initial publication.
NSW Minister for the Arts and Tourism Ben Franklin said the show’s return would bolster Sydney’s tourism trade.
“Wicked is a global sensation that has played to more than 60 million people in 16 countries, which will draw tens of thousands of musical lovers to the Harbour City and will coincide with its 20th anniversary on Broadway. Securing blockbuster musicals for Sydney is key to our vision for the NSW visitor economy. This production will generate millions in visitor expenditure, support jobs in our arts and hospitality industries and help position Sydney as the cultural events capital of the Asia Pacific.”
Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live said he was thrilled to be staging the musical.
“I’m thrilled to present Wicked in Sydney, Australia’s Emerald City, in 2023. A proven blockbuster all around the world since it premiered, it has become one of the most loved musicals of all time.
“Wicked is a musical phenomenon and appeals to everyone from 8 to 80. People love it for so many different reasons – some come for the engrossing story, some for the astonishing sets and costumes, some for the soaring ballads, some for the deeper messages, and some to see the life-affirming friendship between the two young women who grow up to be Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.”
The original production of Wicked starred Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, alongside Broadway legend Joel Grey.
The Australian premiere in 2008 included Lucy Durack, Amanda Harrison, Rob Mills, Rob Guest, Magie Kirkpatrick and Anthony Callea. Later Jemma Rix, Suzie Mathers, Pippa Grandison, Bert Newton and Simon Gallaher appeared in the Australian production.
If you’re a lover of this musical, it might be a good time to start planning a trip to Sydney!
OIP Staff
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