Returning English-language production team talks about what’s changed, what’s stayed the same
The beloved Broadway musical "Wicked" is returning to Korea this summer — and this time, it’s the original English-language production that’s taking the stage for six months across Seoul, Busan and Daegu.
The unusually long engagement far exceeds the typical duration of other touring productions that come to Korea, and reflects the enduring popularity of “Wicked,” one of the most successful musicals of all time, in the country.
The show first premiered in Korea in 2012 with the English-language production, followed by a Korean-language version in 2013, which ran for an impressive 11 months.
But the excitement isn’t just on this side of the stage. The cast and creative team behind the touring English-language production say they’re just as eager to return — and they haven’t forgotten the warm welcome they received more than a decade ago.
“I remember the closing night in 2012 — there was a football crowd at the stage door singing ‘For Good,’” said David Young, the touring production’s music supervisor, during a press conference held in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Wednesday. “It was unforgettable. I’ve shared that story with the current cast, and I have no doubt something like that will happen again.”
Even though it’s their first time performing in Korea, Wicked’s Sheridan Adams and Courtney Monsma — the actresses taking on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively — said they’re excited to perform for what they’ve heard are some of the most passionate audiences in the world.
“All I’ve heard from everyone is just how incredible Korean audiences are — how passionate and intelligent they are about musical theater,” said Monsma, who has been touring globally with the production since 2022 as Glinda. “I could see how excited everyone was for us to be here, and I just want you to know that I’m giving that excitement right back to you all.”
According to the cast, what draws audiences to "Wicked" has not changed for the past 20 years — its powerful storytelling, music and pectacular stagecraft.
"Not only do you have beautifully written songs and a really complex and intellectual script and book, but there’s also the spectacle — the costumes, the set — every part of the musical feels timeless,” said Adams, who portrays the green-skinned witch Elphaba.
“Nothing feels dated or old, and that includes the story itself. It explores questions and themes that I think humans have been pondering for hundreds of years — maybe even since we first existed,” she said.
Wicked tells the story of Glinda and Elphaba, the two witches of Oz, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, the musical explores the deep and complicated friendship between Elphaba — a misunderstood, defiant outcast — and Glinda, a popular and ambitious figure beloved by all. Central themes include friendship, identity, power, and acceptance.
“It has a really truthful story that stands the test of time,” said Monsma. “No matter what society the show is playing in, its themes remain deeply relevant.”
“Over 20 years later, audiences are still having the same visceral and emotional reactions to the show,” Adams added.
“What’s changed is the world,” noted Young. “Themes like equality and acceptance —central to Wicked — have come a long way over the past 20 years. In many ways, 'Wicked' was ahead of its time. The fact that it still resonates so strongly today says a lot about the story and its continued relevance."
"Wicked" will run from July 12 to Oct. 26 at Blue Square Shinhan Card Hall. Then it will continue to perform in Busan in November and Daegu in January.
Debuting in 2003, “Wicked” has become one of the most successful musicals of all time, surpassing over $6 billion in ticket sales globally. It has been staged in 16 countries, produced in six different languages and won more than 100 international awards, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy Award for best musical show album.
Last year, “Wicked: Part One,” the film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda was released, attracting over 2.2 million moviegoers in South Korea and further broadening the story’s appeal to a wider audience.
Ticket prices range from 80,000 won ($56) to 190,000 won.
gypark@heraldcorp.com
