One of 2025’s most spectacular films is the cinematic adaptation of the Broadway classic Wicked. With Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo (as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively) both offering unforgettable performances, a glorious PR run, and tasteful creative sensibilities in the film’s production, Wicked is having a massive pop-culture moment.
So it’s likely that many seats in this run of the Wicked musical are occupied by first-timers, along with returning fans who’ve now got new layers to sink their teeth into thanks to the film as divine fresh material.
Wicked is the untold story of the friendship between two witches, a heartfelt look at how the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good became the legends we know from The Wizard of Oz.
I want to use lots of flowery emotional language to describe what this run of Wicked brings to Singapore’s stage. But really, what I’ve got is a heart that swells and beams at how gripping an experience it offers to viewers both new and old. This production of Wicked is a beautiful harmony of the best in production design, writing, song and dance, and acting talent—maybe in the world.
While this level of quality is far from surprising, long-running musicals can begin to feel like they’re fizzling out after a few runs. Wicked, in theatres since 2003, shows no signs of fading. There’s nothing quite like the first time—but oh, what I would give to relive the joy of watching Wicked for the second time in my life during this current run in Singapore.
Yes, Wicked is timeless with strong foundations, but you mustn’t miss its current cast, and this is evident right from the musical’s very first number by Australian actress Courtney Monsma as Glinda, when most of the audience was left speechless before erupting into the most thunderous applause.
Courtney offers a highly charismatic portrayal of Glinda, unafraid of the occasional guffaw and snort that humanises her glamour. Her performance is flamboyant yet disciplined, and her voice as clear as crystal, delivering with silky confidence throughout yodels and quivers.
The character’s fan-favourite hits, such as Popular, evoke a world of emotion conveyed through voice and body. Courtney’s delivery goes far beyond the script to give heart and understanding to the complex inner workings of Glinda, who might otherwise be perceived as a holier-than-thou ‘it’ girl.
Zoe Coppinger brings Elphaba’s classic steely resolve in her activism and fight for justice, but not without the multi-dimensional perspective of both doubt and discovery.
Elphaba and Glinda’s unlikely friendship and love for one another, even as their paths begin to split, is tear-jerking, and Elphaba’s discovery of her love for the dreamboat Prince Fiyero is heightened by the measured, delicate presence that Zoe brings to the role.
Now that we’ve seen Jeff Gollum’s interpretation of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the Wicked film, the Wizard in the musical might feel a little flat or unremarkable by comparison.
To me, this well conveys the idea that the Wizard is a painfully ordinary, average, and plain man with a naughty past who has worked his way up to a position of power—it’s one of the musical’s many real-world commentaries, particularly relevant now as we observe political situations around the world.
At its heart, it’s the universal themes of Wicked that keep it so pristinely timeless and accessible to many.
The musical deals with prejudice and discrimination against people who don’t look like us, the pains of activism, the convergence of identity, the greys of good and evil, and, very critically, the power of media and narratives in swaying public perception.
Wicked is known for its jaw-dropping theatrics and set pieces. Even if you’ve seen them before, watching the literal whirring gears and the giant red-eyed dragon puppet, operated by a human being, will never get old.
There’s a wonderful blend of practical and analogue effects, such as acrobatics to simulate magic, and spotlights that help the musical retain the raw side of its charms.
Famously, one of the best moments in the play comes right before intermission when Elphaba sings Defying Gravity, among many hits penned by the legendary Stephen Schwartz. Here, Elphaba floats up into the sky, glimmering with prismatic lighting radiating from her—and the power of visual optics makes her appear as if floating in mid-air…
Much like the floating carpet in the Aladdin musical, you’ll be torn between figuring out how they pulled it off, and holding back tears from the emotional impact.
Wicked is close to perfection, in no small part thanks to the equal care given to the big and little details, and it’s a reminder of what makes theatre so precious—how magic is born when so many elements are mastered by human art.
Wicked is running in Singapore’s Sands Theatre until 27 April. Get your tickets here.