One of the most anticipated events of the year is the return of Wicked in Manila, after a sold-out seven-week run to rave reviews. I wasn’t able to watch the musical when it was brought here in 2014, but I’m going to see it this year and I’m incredibly excited! And what an amazing time I am having: I got to watch Jacqueline Hughes (Elphaba) and Carly Anderson (Glinda) perform “One Short Day” and “For Good,” interview the entire cast, and go on a backstage tour!
The backstage is divided between an area for large props (like the Wizard of Oz machine and statue), another for tech, and the Wardrobe Village, which spans the entire length of the backstage, housing the 350 costumes, 150 pairs of shoes, and 150 wigs needed to bring the story to life.
Check out the pictures from my tour of the backstage below:
For those who are not familiar, Wicked is the “origin story” of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West in Frank L. Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The musical is adapted from the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked, which examines the nature of good and evil, and how the events in our lives shape our personality. The book is known for its strong political, social, and ethical commentary.
In 2003, it was adapted into a Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. The production went on to win more than 100 awards, including three Tony Awards, six Drama Desk Awards, two Olivier Awards, nine WhatsOnStage Awards in London, six Helpmann Awards in Australia, and a Grammy Award.
Wicked in Manila is made possible thanks to Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Concertus Manila, and is presented by Globe LIVE. Shows are extended until March 12, with Tuesday to Friday shows at 8PM, and Saturday and Sunday shows at 2PM and 8PM. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information on Lunchbox Productions and Concertus Manila, visit www.lunchbox-productions.com and Concertus Manila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.