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Wicked Opens in Melbourne

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

There's no escaping Wicked - from giant billboards straddling highways to the now commonplace Wicked trams, Melbourne's winter has turned a different shade of green. And with so much hype brewing its magic on Melbourne's streets, you'd expect the opening night to be a big one. Well, it was.

Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz had its Australian premiere on Saturday 12 July. Collins Street switched on its best green lighting, so even if you hadn't been infected by Wicked fever before, there was no escaping it now.

A buzzing crowd adorned the majestic Regent Theatre. Punters sporting green ties, dresses, scarves, faces - and the odd munchkin-inspired outfit - all added their own dose of Oz wizardry to the occasion. There was a celeb a second; from Neighbours stars to funny girls and boys Jane Turner, Gina Riley, Kate Langbroek, Peter Rowsthorn, Chris Lilley, Shaun Micallef and Shane Bourne (to name but a few), the who's who of Melbourne were armed and ready for a big night out with the witches.

When the lights dimmed, the buzzing crowd cheered - they were pumped and ready for the most talked about Melbourne opening since Phantom in 1990. And then they quietened, suddenly mesmerised by the magical world that was Wicked. Even young Wicked fans lucky enough to accompany their parents (Gina Riley, Jane Turner and Peter Rowsthorn all had their daughters in tow) were motionless throughout the long performance. It was wicked.

Green cocktails were de rigueur at interval as was the unveiling of many a backless dress. The buzz in the foyer was that Wicked was a hit. After the show the fans braved an icy wind to teeter down Collins St in their finery to what would have to be one of the best opening night parties around. Gorgeous food, served from noodle bars, sushi stands and ice-cream stands (and more!) welcomed the crowd in from the cold.

And then the stars of the show arrived. Lucy Durack was simply stunning in a gorgeous red, bejewelled dress. Amanda Harrison had ditched her green makeup and black robes to re-emerge glowing in a golden-green halter. They were true stars - onstage and off.

And so the sumptuously stylish and star-studded party continued on into the wee hours. Melbourne is now well and truly green and this opening night will be talked about for a very long time.

Read a review of the opening night show.

Judith Hatton, Arts Editor, Citysearch