Remember the classic line from The Wizard of Oz, “there’s no place like home” then you will love the pre-sequel as presented at Good Shepherd’s Senior Musical, ‘Wicked’, performing at The J in June.
Based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, this much-loved musical has been performed on stage around the world.
Little did we realise when Dorothy famously kept the ruby red slippers and triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West, that there was so much more to this glorious story. Some audience members might side with Glinda and believe, ‘they are a pair of shoes get over it’.
However, we soon realise the reason why Elphaba desperately wants those shoes and that is because of her everlasting love for her sister.
Wicked explores the incredible tale of an unlikely but profound friendship.
Musical Director at Good Shepherd Andrea Donovan said this theme was evident on and off-stage with their Year 8-12 students.
“Perhaps the largest cast to date – 80 plus students have developed a strong bond and everlasting memories,“ she said.
“The musical journey has seen so much encouragement between the cast members as they all believe ‘everyone deserves the chance to fly’. The cast have surrendered themselves and have been especially brave as they have believed – ‘some things I cannot change, but ‘til I try I’ll never know’.”
“We were a little nervous when we decided to stage Wicked. We are so blessed at Good Shepherd to have an inventive team that also believes deeply in offering intellectual and artistic opportunities to our students. It’s a very complex show but I am very proud of the production and all those involved in bringing it to the stage, we can’t wait for the lights to go on and the curtain to rise.”
Adding to the exciting atmosphere, the musical will also feature a live orchestra made up of the College’s very own musicians.
Under the guidance of prominent Conductor Antoni Bonetti AM, “Every musical number will be backed by our very talented orchestra selected specifically to support the musical.“
Mr Bonetti, who also conducts the Noosa Orchestra said, “It has been a particularly invigorating experience working with the musicians of the band. These wonderful musicians (students and professionals) of varying standards, age and experience come from all works of life including staff of Good Shepherd.”
Limited tickets are still available through The J Website for the four performances from Thursday 10 June – Saturday 12 June including a matinee performance on the Saturday. Tickets are $30 adults and $22 child/concession.
