Fantastic leads, energetic song and dance numbers, comedy and pathos, and above all girl power abound in Musical Theatre Dunedin’s epic production of Wicked – the untold story of the Witches of Oz.  

From the first extraordinary opening-night scene – Kelly Hocking  resplendent in sparkling blue gown and flying above the residents of Oz – it is clear that this will be a special production.

Offering a fresh view of the traditional roles of the ‘wicked’ and ‘good’ witches of the Oz story, Wicked has plenty say about the nature of difference, racism, and the abuse of animals, while maintaining a (mostly) light and humorous tone.

Brought to New Zealand by a consortium of musical theatre companies, Wicked has an impressive, yet adaptable set and dozens of stunning costumes, adding to its epic, professional feel.

It also has some fantastic songs, written by award-winning Broadway and Hollywood composer Stephen Schwarts, including hit songs ‘The Wizard and I’, ‘Popular’, ‘For Good’, ‘Dancing Through Life’ and ‘Defying Gravity’.

Director Doug Kamo, musical director Stuart Walker, choreographer Emma Holloway, have moulded a talented cast of ‘triple threats’ (performers who can sing, dance and act) into a well-oiled machine, who keep up the energy and the vocal strength throughout many vigorous and demanding numbers.

Leading them are an impressive group of principals, with Kelly Hocking and Anna Langford sparking off each other in the roles of Glinda and Elphaba – the young witches whose paths will lead them to become known as ‘good’ and ‘wicked’.

Hocking is delightful as the initially entitled, self-centred Glinda, providing many wonderfully comic moments and showing nice development as her character matures.

Langford is equally fine as the shunned Elphaba (it really is not easy being green), whose kind heart and concern over the actions of The Wizard lead her down a dark path.

The pair have a great deal of singing to do, and make a magnificent job of it – both in solo, duet, and ensemble songs.

Hocking and Langford are ably supported by fellow principals Alethea Chittenden, as the malign Madame Morrible; Greg MacLeod, as the lonely, confused Wizard; Luke Butson, as conflicted love-interest Fiyero; Kristina Saul, as Elphaba’s wheelchair-bound sister; Jacob Irby, as love-lorn Munchkin Boq; and Chris Hinch, as doomed goat professor Dr Dillamond.

All give their all to their roles, playing up the laughs and bringing the pathos to the fore, while also giving very fine vocal performances.

Supporting the performance from the orchestra pit, under the baton of Walker, is a band comprising some of Dunedin’s finest musicians. Their performance is tight, professional, and helps to keep things moving along at a cracking pace.

The only issue during Thursday’s opening-night show was a slight imbalance in the sound, which made it difficult at times to hear the words being sung, but this should hopefully have been ironed out by now.

All in all, Musical Theatre Dunedin has once again showcased the extraordinary depth of talent in Dunedin, by creating a thoroughly professional, engaging, and entertaining show.

Congratulations are due to all involved.

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer