The witches of Wicked Manila

For the press launch of Wicked held recently by Lunch Box Theatrical Productions and Concertus Manila at the Diamond Hotel, two of the leads for the worldwide blockbuster musical graciously sang the most recognizable songs from the show, much to the delight of the audience. Of course, I couldn’t help but sing along!

I got to speak with the two Australian actresses concerning the process of being on such a fantastic tour such as Wicked and found out that it’s not as simple as it seems.

Playing the title role of Elphaba, the “wicked” witch born with emerald green skin, is Jemma Rix. Her character is fiery, sensitive and passionate. She has performed the role exactly 800 times.

Incidentally, this was not Jemma’s first time in the Philippines. Apparently, her husband Josh joined the Ironman in Cebu recently and placed eighth, which was the reason she was here in the country. She first worked with Universal Studios in Japan where she was cast as the Bride of Frankenstein and eventually was cast as Elphaba in the first stage adaptation of Wicked there. She has even sung some Wicked songs in Japanese.

Playing the role of “Glinda the Good” witch is Suzie Mathers. Her character is pretty, perky and very into herself. Despite her narcissism, she is vulnerable and kind-hearted. She has played the title role of Glinda a total of 320 times. In 2009, Suzie was cast as the lead role of Sophie in Mamma Mia! before joining the Wicked tour.

Prior to playing Glinda, she was part of the ensemble playing the “midwife.” She is a case in example of working your way up in a musical theatrical production — from understudy to lead.

I asked both of them about their Australian accents and how they are able to keep their performances “fresh” despite having to perform numerous shows, for months on end now.

Jemma said that it definitely is “tricky,” but she tries to keep in mind that it is the first time an audience will be seeing the show. She wants to make sure she really gives each show her 100 percent no matter how she is feeling that day because she wants the audience to have a lasting impression of Wicked.

Suzie, on the other hand, agreed with Jemma and told me that the audience is enough motivation to always make it new and exciting for her performances. Also, the audience is different every night and so the energy changes.

I couldn’t help but also notice that their Ozzy accents are very distinguishable in their normal speaking voices and yet when they sing, the accent becomes non-existent. Suzie said that it is a “conscious decision that we have to work on it and make sure there are no Ahhs in places that there shouldn’t be.”

The musical director David Young was present at the press conference and shared that they will be auditioning local musicians to play for the orchestra. More information should be on the Wicked Philippines website in the next coming months. Check out www.wickedthemusical.com.ph

Wicked Manila opens on Jan. 22, 2014 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater for a limited season only. Tickets range from P1,750 to P7,000. Call TicketWorld at 891-9999 for tickets.