Wicked; A unique musical retelling of the classic story (and movie) ‘The Wizard of Oz’, but from a slightly different perspective - The Wicked Witch of the West. To those who have not already seen the musical, the show focuses on the relationship of Glinda, the Good Witch, and Elphaba, the wicked, and ‘unnaturally green’ witch of the West, who meet for the first time at Shiz University and grow into the figures we know from the original ‘Wizard of Oz’ movie. The story sympathises with Elphaba, outcast and shamed purely for her green skin and unusual magic prowess, yet who truly has a kind and loving heart, despite the initial awkwardness. The show has become a staple in musical theatre since it’s opening in 2003, and has had many successful, long-running productions around the world, including on Broadway an the West-End, and many, many tours. The show itself is a spectacle; the extravagance of the Emerald City shines through during musical number ‘One Short Day’ in which ensemble members are adorned in fabulously detailed gowns and suits, each with their own quirky Oz-ian touch and in dazzling shades of emerald green. The moment Glinda descends from the ceiling in her iconic bubble and full gown at the start of the show is breathtaking, and in every moment, every actor is entirely engaged with their role in bringing the fantastical world of Oz to life. The ensemble has such a bright energy and it really shines through as they work together to enrapture the audience.
Genevieve Taylor was playing the role of Madame Morrible the night that I saw Wicked, and normally, is in the Ensemble. Morrible is the Headmistress at Shiz University, who personally mentors Elphaba with sorcery lessons, and eventually schemes her way into becoming the right-hand of the Wizard, using her position to help the Wizard take away the animals’ right to speak in Oz and remain at the top of the hierarchy. Watching the show, it is evident how much hard work every actor puts into their role, and I asked Genevieve a few questions to give readers insight on how the actors portray such vivid characters within the land of Oz. Studying two roles can be a difficult job, and Genevieve gives advice on how she memorised two completely different tracks in the show. ‘I approach them both completely separately. Learning one at a time really helps!’ She describes that in Wicked, you ‘only start rehearsing your cover track once you’re up and running [in the show]’ so you’re ‘mentally ready to take on more information by that point.’
Despite being such a long-running show, it was clear from watching it that every performance is fresh and has just as much energy as the last. Many actors throughout the years have played the iconic roles, and each one seems to bring their own twist to their character, while still encapsulating a personality that is recognisable as that character. We asked Genevieve how she would describe her portrayal of Morrible, and she states, ‘She has such a fun arc to play! She’s always looking out for her next opportunity to get ahead, whether that be looking after Nessarose [Elphaba’s sister]/personally mentoring Elphaba/getting in with the wizard. She sees everything as an opportunity.’ She also laughingly admits that as quite a young actor to play Morrible, she’s earned the nickname ‘Mini Morrible’ from her cast mates, as she feels that sometimes she does not appear as intimidating as other Morribles. ‘Not very scary at all!’ she says.
Talented understudies and swings have to go onstage and perform various roles in the show at the drop of a hat, and we asked Genevieve how she manages after getting the call that she is performing a cover role, which could even be the morning of the show. She explains how she goes over everything she needs to know for that role, including going ‘over my lines and backstage journey in my head, scene by scene on my way to work and double check any notes I was given by the director.’ She describes giving herself time to warm up vocally and also relax, then going to the physical and vocal warm up on stage with the rest of the cast. ‘That’s the lovely bit as the whole cast rallies behind you and gives you lots of hugs and ‘break a leg’s, so you get the excitement factor from your cast mates and they spur you on for the rest of the show!’ This statement highlights how close and supportive the ensemble of the show is, which definitely is essential to a cohesive and well-functioning group like the one in Wicked.
Despite its bittersweet ending, the show truly has a positive and uplifting message, about discrimination, acceptance and the power of a friendship. Genevieve states that the message she hopes audiences will take away is to ‘Not judge a book by it’s cover. I think we, as people, judge others far too quickly without knowing who they are or what they’ve ben through, so it’s a nice reminder to be kind to one another in life! She then adds one line from the show that really resonates with this, Glinda’s line from the end of the show; ‘Fellow Ozians, we have been through a frightening time, and there will be other times and other things that frighten us..’ Genevieve hopes that the audience will be reminded to not go into ‘panic mode’ and fuel hate as the mob do in Wicked, but focus on the kindness. ‘Always be kind!’ ‘Nothing comes from fueling hate.’
Article By Josephine Shaw, Lady Eleanor Holles School
