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WICKED Is Coming To Perth This December

Broadway’s biggest blockbuster WICKED is flying into Perth, here’s everything you need to know.

Get ready to take a trip to the magical land of Oz because Broadway blockbuster WICKED will fly into Perth’s Crown Theatre this December. The beloved musical phenomenon will retell the story of The Wizard of Oz on the final stop of its critically acclaimed Australian tour, and you best believe, we can’t wait.

The musical is based on the novel WICKED by Gregory Maguire, which was inspired by L Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the 1939 Judy Garland film. So you may already be acquainted with Dorothy and her ruby slippers, her dog Toto, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. But this musical steps back even further, telling the story of Elphaba, the green-skinned wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. The plot traces their rivalry, friendship, and how they changed each other for the better.

“I’m thrilled we’re able to bring WICKED to Perth’s wonderful Crown Theatre. WICKED is one of the most lavish musical productions to have ever played in Australia, the full Broadway experience. With the lavish sets and opulent costumes, it’s a feast for the eye and the ear.” WICKED Australia co-producer John Frost 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,” he said.

One of the world’s most successful musicals

Credit: Jeff Busby 2023 Sydney Season

After recently celebrating 20 years since its premiere on Broadway, WICKED remains one of the world’s most successful and popular musicals. It has become the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history, with a combined audience of more than 67 million people across the globe.

With an impressive line-up of more than 100 major awards under its belt, including Grammy, Tony, Olivier, Helpmann, and Drama Desk, to say WICKED is a complete triumph would be the understatement of the century.

The musical has played in 16 countries around the world including Japan, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong, as well as Singapore, the Philippines, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. It has also been translated into six languages.

Rave reviews from critics

The production has received countless rave reviews from critics, and for good reason. Time Magazine called it “a magical Broadway musical with brains, heart, and courage”. The Age said it’s “the most extravagant production you’ll encounter in Melbourne theatres this year, and it’s a sight to behold”. While the Sydney Morning Herald described it as “ingenious and beautiful: WICKED dazzles”.

The Chicago Tribune said “WICKED is splendiferous as ever! The show works because it explores the complexity of moral choices and the prices we have to pay for making them. It’s a reminder of how musicals can support complex stories when you have a book writer of the quality of Winnie Holzman, great songs by Stephen Schwartz and a rich, visually splendiferous production, as directed by Joe Mantello. And, of course, the green girl and the blonde girl, as they refer to each other, are every person figures. We’re all either one or the other”.

What is WICKED about?

Credit: Jeff Busby 2023 Sydney Season

Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other young women meet in the land of Oz. The one born with emerald-green skin is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possesses an extraordinary talent. The other is bubbly, blonde, ambitious, and exceptionally popular. They become rivals and then friends, until the world decides to call one “good” and the other “wicked.”

The stage show has also been adapted into a major motion picture scheduled to be released later this year. The film will star Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, and Bridgerton heartthrob Jonathan Bailey.

When do tickets go on sale?

If you’re keen to take a trip to the magical land of Oz and experience the unforgettable, award-winning musical in Perth this year, tickets are set to go on sale on Friday, July 19th. 

Tickets are in hot demand and selling fast so to guarantee you get them, we’d recommend you get them ASAP from Ticketmaster. That will ensure you don’t miss out!

How to get there?

Credit: Jeff Busby 2023 Sydney Season

Whether you are visiting for a few hours or staying overnight, there’s a range of free parking, paid parking, undercroft and valet options available. Or if you’d prefer to catch public transport, you can also catch a train or bus to Crown Perth.

Make a night of it

When you’re surrounded by so many fabulous restaurants and bars, it would be rude not to make a night of it. Why not round up the crew for pre-drinks and dinner before or after the show. Here are some great places to wine and dine while you’re at Crown.

Nobu

If you want to take it up a notch and enjoy a little luxury, splash some cash at Nobu. It’s the world’s most recognised Japanese restaurant for a reason. Known for its innovative new-style Japanese cuisine, Nobu has a huge selection of plates to choose from and each one is an extraordinary culinary experience.

Rockpool Bar & Grill

Speaking of fine dining royalty, Rockpool is no stranger to those Perthites who enjoy the finer things in life — and a damn good steak. The prime meats are well worth some of the eye-watering prices, cooked to perfection on an open wood fire and dry-aged on-site. Mix this with a list of more than 2,600 wines, delicious desserts, and an equally impressive selection of entrees and sides, and you’ve got a winner!

Bistro Guillaume

Overlooking the pool at Crown Perth, Bistro Guillaume is a picturesque provincial dining location best enjoyed with a glass of Champagne. The lime-green space is chic and dipped in luxury, with a chequerboard floor and gorgeous bright and airy interiors. The mains are gush-worthy, in the form of wild mushroom gnocchi, roasted Mount Barker chicken, and buttery Paris mash. But don’t forget to save room for dessert. The strawberry souffle and profiteroles with vanilla bean ice cream are worth writing home about!

This article was created in partnership with WICKED Australia.
Featured image credit: Jeff Busby 2023 Sydney Season
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