EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES… Glinda, played by Shannen Toole, and the cast of Wicked on stage in The Little Theatre where shows will be performed the first four weekends of May.
It’s been a long wait of more than 12 months because of COVID, but the time has come for the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society to hit the stage with an iconic production of Wicked on the 1st of May.
Word in the community is this will be one of the best yet, and Director Lyn Townsend agrees. “We have been lucky enough to pull some amazing talent from all over the central west. Everything about this show will be quality, from the performances, special effects and costumes to the music… we just can’t wait to open!
Parkes M &D is also hoping this production will put them back on their feet. COVID has prevented live theatre productions for so long and has put the future financial viability of the society at risk, like the rest of the arts industry. Lyn said it would be wonderful to get support from the community by attending the shows.
If you have seen a production of Wicked before, make sure not to miss this production as it promises to be quite different to traditional versions in direction and costuming. “You’ve never seen it like this,” said Lyn. “The Parkes M & D Society production has a very modern twist and is definitely different!”
The Wicked Witch of the West, played by Hannah Symonds, on stage in Cooke Park on Sunday. You can use your Dine & Discover vouchers to see a Wicked show.
A prequel to The Wizard of Oz, Wicked winds the clock back to the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda (played by Shannen Toole) and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba (Hannah Symonds).
Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroad and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future.
Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Also staring Matt Prow as the dashing Fiyero, Christie Green as the scheming Madam Morrible, Aaron Kingham as a dithering Dr Dillamond, Henry Best as the lovestruck Boq, Georgia Sideris as the beautifully tragic Nessa-Rose and a 42 strong cast and band that includes members travelling from Trundle, Forbes, Grenfell, Cowra and Orange to be a part of this wonderful production. Musi-cal direction is under Neil Westcott.
Tickets are on sale at www.parkesmandd.com.au or from Regional Business Supplies in Parkes. Dine & Discover vouchers accepted. Just email your ticket request with vouchers to parkesmandd2870@gmail.com