Off the back of the recent announcement that Broadway sensation Wicked would be flying into HOTA Gold Coast, today came the announcement of the principal cast, supporting leading ladies, Emily Monsma ‘Glinda’ and Samantha Dodemaide ‘Elphaba’ in the production.
The team of seasoned performers will take to the stage this June, telling the beloved tale of the extraordinary adventures in Oz and the profound friendship between Glinda, The Good Witch and Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West.
Cast as ‘Fiyero’ is YouTube personality and actor, Trent Owers, whose love of theatre has seen him work with the likes of Ron Howard and Steven Spielberg in London, followed by his casting as ‘Angel’ in QPAC’s sold out season of RENT last year.
Local Gold Coaster, James Shaw, returns home to star as ‘The Wizard of Oz’ after a successful career overseas playing ‘Harry’ in Mamma Mia the musical, ‘Amos’ in Chicago, ‘Collins’ in RENT and several other performances across musical theatre, opera and in concert.
Stepping into the enchanted red ruby slippers is Antonia Marr as ‘Nessarose’, who is no stranger to the spotlight. Antonia has performed her way around the world as ‘Elphaba’ in WICKED at Universal Studios Japan and looks forward to heading back to the Land of Oz after featuring in QPAC’s RENT and most recently as the lead vocalist in Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant & Theatre show on the Gold Coast.
Tim Carroll is the versatile performer and graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music cast as ‘Boq’, who returns home to the Gold Coast following an Australian tour in the stage adaption of The 78-Storey Treehouse. Previously, Tim has performed as ‘Roger’ in Grease: The Arena Experience, ‘Hanschen’ in Spring Awakening and ‘The Witch’ in Hansel & Gretel for Opera Queensland.
Announced as ‘Dr Dillamond’ is Shannon Foley whose very successful opera career has seen him debut with Opera Australia as ‘Marchese’ in La Traviata, ‘Papageno’ in The Magic Flute and Britten’s Billy Budd, to name a few, followed by a 10-year hiatus to focus on other opportunities before returning to the stage in WICKED.
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Over 20 additional performers have been cast in various ensemble and dance roles for the iconic production, following an extensive nationwide audition process, conducted last month.
Producer Matt Ward said the calibre and talent of the principal leads will make for an exciting rendition of the iconic production.
“After a lengthy audition process to secure the right calibre of talent, we’ve been delivered an incredible medley of musical theatre talent and star power and I’m thrilled for the lead cast to provide a season of showcase performances like the Gold Coast has never seen before,” he said.
“This telling production of WICKED will inspire wonder and delight on any fan or soon-to-be lover of this beloved story, as our leading cast captivates audiences with their magical on-stage personas and magnificent songs.”
