‘Wicked’ the musical is in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The much-talked about musical, “Wicked,” is in Manila.

Filipino theater fans flock to its gala night in costumes. 

“Wicked” is based on a book written by Gregory Maguire. It’s a take on the life and times of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, from L. Frank Baum’s “Wizard of Oz.”

G Töngi reports.

I’m here at the CCP for the gala evening for Wicked, the biggest Broadway musical to come to the Philippines!

Wicked finally opens in Manila to a full house. Hardcore fans of the musical attended the gala dressed in their Emerald City costumes in support of the Australian based touring company. My family and I also dressed up for the occasion with our very own Glinda and Fiyero in tow.

Local theater actors Robbie Zialcita & Leroy Dela Fuente last seen onstage for Repertory Philippines’ The Producers also got into the Wicked spirit.

LEROY DELA FUENTE, THEATER ACTOR: It’s the first musical I ever fell in love with. It made we want to become a theater actor.

ROBIE ZIALCITA, THEATER ACTOR: I just used something like a crayon that you use for face painting and i just put it on my beard! You can see the standing ovation and the people really enjoyed it and bravo! Bravo to them!

Lunchbox Theatricals Producer James Cundall says bringing shows like Wicked to Manila took many years but seeing the response from the Philippine audience makes it worth it.

JAMES CUNDALL, PRODUCER, LUNCHBOX THEATRICALS: The audience here is better than London or the West End, i can tell you! They understand what is happening on stage. Their very musically savvy.

Pinky Amador, currently in rehearsals for Repertory’s “Osage County” says the Australian cast is going all out for the Filipinos.

PINKY AMADOR, TV & STAGE ACTRESS: I saw the last number in rehearsals cause we are in the same building and she (Elphaba) did not sing it like that. So I can really see that they’re pulling out the all the stops for the Filipino audience and you can tell that the audience just loves it and is giving them such a great welcome. Can’t put down a great show!

Behind the spectacular set and bedazzling costumes, Wicked’s message really resonates with the audience.

PAUL & JOHN HERRERA, FASHION DESIGNERS: We are just really, really huge fans and we have the albums actually. We think that a lot of people actually who are different, more different and they know they are different can relate to her character. We’re the green girl, growing up.

And it was “Wicked”!
G Töngi, Rappler, Manila – Rappler.com