End of an emerald era – Wicked closes in Australia

It’s a momentous day today for the cast and crew (and fans!) of Stephen Schwartz’s blockbuster musical Wicked! 

The Australian production will close today after touring the Australia, New Zealand and Asia for the last 8 years.

Critically and financially, Wicked has been one of Australian musical theatre’s greatest success stories in recent years since opening on July 12, 2008 at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre.

According to original cast member Ryan Sheppard, who played Chistery when the show opened in Melbourne and remains with the production as Dance Captain, the show has toured to 5 countries, 13 cities, and played 1919 performances.

AussieTheatre has been an avid supporter of the show, featuring countless interviews and features about the Green Machine.

Chris Scalzo penned an insightful regular column entitled Life Upon the Wicked Stage, Jemma Rix gave inside information about donning the green makeup in the leading role of Elphaba. We spoke with Suzie Mathers about joining the cast as Glinda back in 2011 and have featured countless news stories about the production and its cast members.

Today, cast members both past and present have taken to social media to celebrate the show and to reminisce about the last 8 years in the Emerald City. Patrice Tipoki, Lucy Durack, Elisa Colla, John O’Hara, Jemma Rix, Amanda Harrison and Steve Danielsen are just SOME of the stars whose heatrfelt posts and images are featured below.

There’s just one short day left in the Emerald City for these Ozians, but the show will stay with us for many, many years to come.

All the best, Wicked – thanks to you, so many lives have been changed for good!