[Review] Wicked The Musical Gala Night at Sands Theatre: A Spellbinding Spectacle Well-timed for Maximum Impact

Singapore’s Sands Theatre was transformed into the enchanting land of Oz on the gala night of Wicked The Musical, a production that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Wicked’s third outing in Singapore could not have been better timed.

This latest run, well-timed to coincide with the hype surrounding the Wicked movie adaptation, proved to be a theatrical triumph, bringing together stunning visuals, powerhouse performances, and a timeless story that resonates well with modern audiences.

With the highly anticipated sequel of the two-part movie adaptation starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo set to hit screens soon plus the hangover effects from the recently concluded run of the first movie, it was a walk in the park for the musical’s return to reignite excitement among fans and newcomers alike.

I caught the gala night performance last Friday night with my son Asher and the reception to the show was overwhelmingly positive. Almost all guests were decked in green or pink outfits, adhering to the stated theme wear for the gala:

The production, which first premiered on Broadway in 2003, has lost none of its magic, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for those revisiting the story and a dazzling introduction for first-time viewers.

For those unfamiliar with the narrative, at its core, Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch, and Glinda, the bubbly and popular blonde.

The musical delves into themes of acceptance, identity, and the consequences of blind loyalty, Grand spectacle aside, it’s a simple story about friendship that will easily strike a chord with audiences of all ages.

This latest production brought these themes to life with remarkable clarity. The chemistry between the Australia-based lead actresses Courtney Monsma as Glinda and Zoe Coppinger as Elphaba, was electric.

Coppinger’s rendition of Defying Gravity, the show’s iconic anthem, was a show-stopping moment that left the audience in awe. Do not leave your seat as she soars up in the sky, leaving the audience dangling on a cliffhanger at the end of first half, just before the intermission.

Monsma, on the other hand, brought both humour and heart to her portrayal of Glinda, balancing the character’s comedic quirks with some emotional depth.

The production’s technical brilliance was another highlight.

The elaborate set design, featuring the towering clock of the Time Dragon and the intricate Emerald City, transported audiences straight into the heart of Oz.

The audience reception on the gala night was spectacular, with standing ovations and thunderous applause echoing through the theatre at the closing.

With its compelling narrative, stellar performances, and breathtaking production values, Wicked continues to prove why it remains one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Wicked The Musical runs at Sands Theatre from now to 27 April 2025, showing from Tuesdays to Sundays with a 165-minute runtime (with a 15-minute intermission). Tickets are available through sistic online, with prices ranging from S$68 to S$300 per pax.