The Broadway musical Wicked has finally arrived on our shores this March at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. Since its Broadway debut in 2003, it has remained one of the most popular musicals, seen by over 70 million worldwide.
This isn’t the first time Wicked has come to Singapore. The musical previously premiered in 2011 and 2016, though with completely different cast members. Then came the movie adaptation in 2024, which won multiple awards, including the Oscars and Golden Globes. Having missed previous opportunities to see the musical, I jumped at the chance to watch the 2025 rendition on its gala night, March 20, to see if it truly lives up to the hype. And no, this isn’t sponsored.
For the uninitiated, the musical follows the journey of Elphaba and Glinda as they navigate the trials of school and life. Elphaba, a green-skinned figure with formidable magical abilities, is headstrong and fiercely independent. Meanwhile, Glinda, a bubbly and well-liked socialite, is her complete opposite. When they first cross paths at Shiz University, it’s instant unadulterated loathing. What unfolds is an enemies-to-besties arc that, while familiar, is anything but cliché. It’s utterly heartwarming
I’m no musical connoisseur. In fact, I’m not even a frequent theatergoer. But suffice it to say, the first act was nothing short of spellbinding. Australian actresses Courtney Monsma (Glinda) and Zoe Coppinger (Elphaba) dazzled the audience with top hits like Popular, The Wizard and I, and, of course, Defying Gravity. Even for an untrained eye like mine, the elaborate set designs, extravagant costumes, and catchy tunes had me and the rest of the audience cheering after every scene.
After a brief 15-minute intermission, the second act takes on a slightly darker tone. Don’t worry, we won’t spoil anything for you. A couple of our favourite numbers were Wonderful, wittily performed by the Wizard, No Good Deed, a harrowing solo by Elphaba, and For Good, a much-needed wholesome moment after all the chaos.
A standout highlight throughout the musical was Glinda’s animated – and almost comically over-the-top – physical performance. While her character leans into the ditzy and naive, Courtney punctuates her portrayal with well-timed quips and playful grunts, making her instantly endearing. Zoe, on the other hand, stunned with powerhouse vocals, nailing the notoriously difficult high F5 in Defying Gravity.
The supporting cast, including Liam Head (Fiyero), Chelsea Dean (Nessarose), and Jennifer Vuletic (Madame Morrible), all held their own with commanding performances, complementing rather than overshadowing the leads.
Unlike the movie adaptation, the musical version ends with a conclusion. It’s a happily-ever-after, albeit in an unexpected way. So, is Wicked worth watching? That’s an easy yes – the standing ovation during Singapore’s gala night said enough. Whether you’re young or old, a musical buff or first-timer, there’s definitely a character to relate to. Or, if nothing else, just go for the wickedly brilliant music.
Wicked is showing at Singapore’s Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands from March 19 to April 27, 2025. Tickets are priced from $68 and can be purchased here. While you’re there, catch the Wicked-themed festivities taking place at Marina Bay Sands too.
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