It has spellbound audiences over the world since it first opened more than 20 years ago, and now Wicked is set to return to Melbourne and Brisbane.
Drawing on Frank L Baum's The Wizard of Oz, Wicked has become one of the world's most beloved musicals. It explores the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West and defies traditional notions of good and evil.
The story centres on two young women - Elphaba (who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (Glinda the Good).
The two become rivals, and then unlikely friends. Then society decides to call one "good" and the other "wicked" due to her emerald green skin.
The show is based on a novel by Gregory Maguire, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holzman.
It has played in 16 countries and is the fourth longest running show on Broadway. It has won more than 100 major awards, including a Grammy, the Olivier Award, six Helpmann Awards and three Tony Awards.
The production heads to Melbourne and Brisbane following a highly successful Sydney season last year.
It stars Courtney Monsma as Glinda and Sheridan Adams as Elphaba.
Australian theatre stalwart Robin Nevin plays the conniving and manipulative Madame Morrible, while Simon Burke (Melbourne) and Todd McKenney (Brisbane) will share the role of the equally villainous Wizard.
Other cast members include Liam Head, Adam Murphy, Shewit Belay and Kurtis Papadinis.
Co-producer John Frost said audiences could expect one of the most lavish musical productions to have ever played in Australia.
He said people loved the show for 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," he said.
"If you have never seen Wicked, come and see it for the first time and be spellbound. If you have seen it before, I know you'll want to come back and be enthralled all over again."
Season dates:
Melbourne: Regent Theatre, now playing (selling until June 30.) Tickets from $79
Brisbane: Lyric Theatre, QPAC, from September 12. Tickets from $75
For bookings or more information visit wickedthemusical.com.au.
