Wicked needs no introduction at this point. The musical is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon, all the more so after the success of its film adaptation last year. After all, who could forget the cyclone of pink and green that we got swept up in in the lead-up to the movie, from character-themed cars to an array of fashion collaborations. A prequel to The Wizard of Oz loosely based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the tale of the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Galinda, before they come to be known as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
As the beloved musical returns to our shores after nine years, the Sands Theatre once again transforms into the fantastical land of Oz. Zoe Coppinger, who was previously the Elphaba standby in the Australian tour, is now the principal Elphaba. Meanwhile, Courtney Monsma—best known for playing Katherine Howard and Anna in the Australian tours of Six and Frozen respectively—continues her run as Glinda. A week into their Singapore stop, the duo opens up on how Wicked first came into their lives, how they’ve grown into their roles, and what it’s like to be a part of one of the most iconic musicals of all time.
What was your introduction to the Wicked? Do you remember when it was that you first encountered the show, and what your reaction was?
Z: My first Wicked experience was with my mum, watching the show in New York. I remember watching ‘Defying Gravity’ with my jaw on the floor, and then we got to meet some of the cast afterwards. It was really such an incredible moment, and even better because I got to share it with my mum.
C: As a child, my first introduction to Wicked was through the soundtrack. I used to sing the songs all the time, but it wasn’t until I watched the production on a high school excursion that I got to witness the story. It blew me away. The Wizard Of Oz was and still is my favourite film, so putting the pieces together while watching the musical was mind-blowing for me at the time.
Elphaba and Glinda are such complex, well-written characters. Do you see yourselves in them? Is there an aspect of the character that you were most excited about exploring when you got the role?
Z: I definitely see myself in Elphaba, mostly at the start of the show when she is this awkward, quirky girl who is just trying to find her way. I love that she owns her quirks—we all must do more of this. I was most excited about exploring the darker side of her in act two. It’s always so fun to dig your teeth into something that is not your usual go-to character.
C: Glinda is an actor’s dream. There are so many layers to her psyche that I learn from daily. I do see myself in elements of Glinda, and playing her, in a way, heals parts of me. I was initially really drawn to her energy—how she believes everything wholeheartedly and feels things so deeply, as I do myself. I’ve found it very interesting navigating the grief she experiences, along with the levels of privilege that inform the life she has and the choices she makes.
Courtney, comedy is such a huge part of Glinda’s character. What has it been like to explore that aspect of the show, and how do you balance the comedy with the emotional weight of the musical?
C: I have learnt so much about comedy within my experience in Wicked, and exploring it throughout this run has been so rewarding. Just like the dramatic moments in text, the comedic elements require the exact amount of truth. Learning that trusting my instincts and organically making intentional choices leads to comedy has allowed me so much room for play and interpretation whilst staying true to the story. I’m often so involved in the story that I forget it’s funny, and I think that’s what leads me in the right direction. The balance of both emotional weight and comedy is achieved by sticking true to believing Glinda’s circumstances no matter how effervescent.
What do you enjoy most about being a part of this show, playing this character?
Z: The thing I love the most about the show is the people. Wicked brings together a really special group of people and we all have this bond over the show—I can’t really explain it. I love playing Elphaba because everyone knows what it feels like to be the odd one out at some point in their lives. I love that you see that side of Elphaba, and then you see how she comes into her own skin and starts to do things her way.
C: Getting to work with such an incredible company that feels like, or is, family. My older sister Emily, whom I grew up singing the songs with, is in the ensemble, and it still shocks me that I get to play a dream role alongside her. It makes the experience that bit more special. Having the opportunity to delve into a well-written piece of work—that has the glitz and glamour but also the grit and nuance—and getting to grow within it is also deeply fulfilling.
Zoe, what has it been like transitioning from the Elphaba standby into the principal Elphaba for the Singapore run?
Z: I am super excited about the transition into the principal Elphaba. Of course, it comes with all the natural fears of stepping up to the role, but I feel so supported by everyone around me. I always feel them with me on stage and off. My preparation is pretty similar so far, but I think it will consist of a lot more downtime outside of the show, and just being very aware of and self-assessing where I am at each week.
The connection between Elphaba and Glinda is the heart of the musical. What has it been like to share the stage with each other?
C: One of the greatest gifts of this show is getting to share it with Elphaba. I have a very special connection with Zoe, and it is the motor of the story and of what gets me through the show personally. She is incredibly supportive on and off stage, a wonderful actress, and I have so much love for her. Sharing the stage with Zoe is an honour and it’s a dream to work alongside her.
Z: Courtney is just the best. She makes me feel so safe when I am performing with her. She makes me laugh and feel at ease. I always know, when I clock eyes with her onstage, that everything is going to be okay and that she has my back. That is really important to have. Having this connection offstage therefore makes our connection as Elphaba and Glinda onstage super easy—it feels and is really natural.
Do you have a favourite song or scene that you look forward to doing most during the show?
Z: I really love doing ‘One Short Day’. It’s a moment where Elphaba, Glinda and the whole ensemble are together in this upbeat number that is full of life. I always feel like the little kid in me comes out during that song, and it takes me back to watching the show and remembering how magical it looked.
C: A personal favourite song is Popular and the scene leading into it. I always look forward to it. It is so cathartic, as Glinda, to just express the excitement of the newfound friendship with Elphaba, and I just have so much fun getting to play and explore on set.
What about a scene that you’re most excited for audiences to see?
Z: I’m so excited for audiences to see the whole thing, truly. I hope they will be blown away by the spectacle of it.
C: I’m very excited for the audience to see the final scenes of the musical. Especially for first-timers seeing Wicked, watching it all unfold is unforgettable. Knowing you will leave the theatre learning something is why Wicked is still so relevant today.
Wicked runs until 27 April 2025.
