We’re just hours away from Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre defying gravity as they stage their major production, Wicked.
The Empire Theatre’s seven show season opens tonight at 8pm and runs until Sunday April 9.
Director Alison Vallette said the excitement of opening night was building within all facets of the production, both on stage and behind the scenes.
“After our first full run through, the cast was feeling very positive and excited. Wicked is an ensemble-heavy show, and the cast is working very hard at the moment to ensure their own personal journey in the show is just right,” Ms Vallette said.
The show tells the story of the unlikely friendship between two girls – well before Dorothy ever dropped into Oz.
Fun fact: in the original Broadway production of Wicked, Elphaba was played by Idina Menzel, now known to children (and their tired parents) everywhere as the voice of Elsa from Frozen.
Ms Vallette said Wicked was an Empire Theatre’s major production not to be missed.
“When I first heard that I had the job of directing Wicked, I thought, ‘I don’t have the Broadway budget of millions to play with, so how do I make this show unique and individual?’ My meeting with our designer, Josh McIntosh, gave me the answer,” she said.
“I can’t say too much without giving it away, but suffice to say that the design for the show is unique to the Empire Theatre.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Empire Theatre and this show will be its best yet!”
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Box Office on 1300 655 299 or visit www.empiretheatre.com.au.
Tickets are available for 2pm or 8pm shows, and there is now a family friendly timeslot of 6.30pm Thursday.
Image credit: @empire_theatre
