WICKED. The story of an unlikely friendship
150 students. 300 costumes. A 90 cast ensemble. 100 mins in makeup and 20 second costume changes. Plus making people actually fly?!
In August 2019, Director of Performing Arts, Mr Lee Fleming and his talented team of students and teachers defied gravity when audiences were immersed back to the land of Oz in one of the most spectacular Senior School productions the Performing Arts Centre has ever seen - WICKED.
A world of "good" and "wicked"
Based on the story of what happened before the time of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, WICKED shares the journey of a young woman with emerald green skin - Elphaba played by Kasey Barnes (Year 11) - who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possesses an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde Glinda (Jordan Gilbert, Year 11) who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships. That is until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”
“For those who hadn’t seen WICKED on stage before it really changed their understanding of the Wizard of Oz. The Wicked Witch of the West is given a human story and we see Elphaba in a completely different light,” said Mr Fleming.
And the impact and messages within WICKED were certainly something all students could relate to. “Elphaba looks so different. There’s a classroom scene and our students had to act the bullies. Our students understood how cruel bullying can be. I think it made our students reflect on behaviours like exclusion and ridicule.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED transfixed audiences and sent our spirits soaring to new heights. Thrilling musical numbers – played by an orchestra which included 12 students – including hits like “Defying Gravity”, “Popular” and “For Good” were sung with such passion, tone and maturity. The strong and dynamic 90 member cast ensemble expertly navigated the stage in “One Short Day” with energy, perfectly timed choreography and a visual feast of emerald green and lights thanks to a creative team of staff behind the scenes who did a truly stunning and incredible job.
Technical demands and unforgettable moments
This was certainly the most technical show CCGS had ever attempted with varying levels of trickery, special effects and lighting. “Watching the audiences’ reaction when Elphaba actually flew was very special,” explained Mr Fleming. “Jaws dropped, tears were in people’s eyes. Everyone took a deep breath. It was a very special moment.” Robert Bacon (Year 11) took on the role of Stage Manager – no mean feat for a show that demanded large scale technical builds that would challenge any civil engineer.
“WICKED is one of the hardest shows in general – let alone for a school. The huge arch backdrop and large stage decorations like the giant clocks were all built by students and staff. It was a big learning experience for everyone and challenged us to look at things differently to find solutions,” said Robert.
This was certainly a show that surpassed expectations and demanded so much from everyone – orchestra, stage, dancers, leads, costume designers, the works. For Mr Fleming the most special part of the show was behind the scenes.
“The speech I gave before the last night’s show really hit home how much WICKED had meant to us all. Students were hugging, some had tears. It was a very special atmosphere. A sadness that our time together on this production was nearly over but a deep kinship had grown. That was one of my favourite moments of the project and one that will stay with me for a long time.” said Mr Fleming.
Learn more about Performing Arts cocurricular opportunities at Central Coast Grammar School.
