Over two decades ago, Broadway was taken to the Emerald City, not to visit a wizard or to have a wish granted, but to learn about the story of witches—total opposites, yet forever connected. “Wicked,” adapted from the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, tells the story of the land of Oz, long before Dorothy dropped in. At the center of its tale is Elphaba, a smart and misunderstood green-skinned girl, and Glinda, the bubbly, blonde, and exceptionally popular.
Through the years, “Wicked” has captivated more than 70 million theatergoers around the world with its enchanting set, spellbinding music, and lessons that continue to be relevant today. This time, its international production returns to Singapore, with thespians Zoe Coppinger and Courtney Monsma performing on stage as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively.
Amid their busy run in Singapore, the two actresses chat with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle as they share their own “Wicked” experience, the power of sisterhood, and the enduring appeal of the musical that keeps people under its spell.
First of all, can you share your first “Wicked” experience with us? Did you watch the show before joining the ensemble?
Zoe: My first Wicked experience was with my mom, 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 afterward. It was really such an incredible moment and even better to share it with my mom.
Courtney: I first saw “Wicked” on a school excursion and I remember it so vividly. Before this, I listened to the soundtrack nonstop and fell in love with the music but getting to experience the whole spectacle and story was truly something else. I then had the opportunity to watch the show on Broadway in the theater where it all began so that was a very special moment.
What was it like working with each other? What did you discover along the way?
Zoe: It’s the best. We do have such a good time together not only onstage but off as well. We have built such a beautiful friendship where we can lean on each other and tackle things as a team. It is so special.
Courtney: Working with Zoe is a dream come true, in every sense. I quickly discovered how we have unwavering support for each other on and off stage and how that makes her performances on stage very special. Working with Zoe makes me a better performer and allows me to safely explore the story and have a play on stage while knowing that she has my back. Ultimately, it’s such an enjoyable experience navigating this story and role with her and I love watching her shine.
What are the greatest lessons you have learned from your character?
Zoe: Elphaba has also taught me the value of being completely and authentically yourself. To have strength, to believe in yourself, and to fight for what you believe in—qualities that will help you through any struggles to make it that bit easier.
Courtney: Glinda’s growth is more internal—quieter, but profound. She learns that being “good” isn’t about what others think, but about making the right choices, even when they hurt. That realization has made me think a lot about personal growth in my own life—it doesn’t always happen in big, dramatic moments, but in the quiet choices we make every day. Glinda has taught me to strive to be fiercely authentic in my personal life and it's my favorite quality of the character.
In a time when pitting women against each other was the norm, “Wicked” reshaped the narrative and presented a beautiful story rooted in female friendship. In your field of work, what happens when women uplift each other?
Zoe: When women uplift each other it completely changes the trajectory. It creates a powerful ripple effect of support, empowerment, and positive change. We are better together.
Courtney: I’ve learned so much from the women I’ve worked with—how to trust myself, how to embrace my unique strengths, and how to create space for others to shine. And the best part is that when we support each other, we all rise together. That’s why “Wicked” is so special. At its core, it’s about two women who push each other to be better—not by competing, but by truly seeing one another and when that kind of empowerment happens in real life, it changes everything and makes being a performer a collaboration and celebration of everyone's uniqueness. As an artist and women, everyone's art is valid and incomparable as it's individually their own.
What are your pre-show rituals?
Zoe: I truly have too many to name. My little superstitions are out of control, but I can’t stop them now. My favorite one that I get to do with some of the cast is side stage at the end of the opening number we do three consecutive arm movements (like I do for the end of “Wizard and I”) together and it's a fun little thing that gets my nerves out and some blood pumping through my body.
Courtney: I am a creature of routine so I always get my makeup done first while warming up before the company warm-up. I will always do physio stretches for my neck which helps me so much given the heavy crown I wear. Something I will do when I need to get myself in a good mindset is put on some girly pop tunes and jump around. I call it my Glinda dance party, to which I often invite the cast to come and jump around too. It's a nice way to reset and have a positive mindset when experiencing performance nerves.
For 20 years, the story of “Wicked” has been adapted into various forms of art. What do you think keeps it relevant today?
Zoe: I think it is even more relevant today than ever in so many ways. But the core of the story is so strong. “Wicked” is such a beautiful production about friendship and acceptance. Everyone can relate to it and find parallels in their own lives in some way. I think that is important, when life and art become one.
Courtney: Along with the spectacle and magic, the timeless book and score, “Wicked” explores themes that are incredibly prevalent today such as challenging the idea of “good” and “evil,” female friendship and empowerment, and the struggle to belong. It's a story about finding your place in the world, human rights, and the abuse of systems of power. It still leaves people being thought-provoked, questioning their belief systems and prejudices and that's why I think the story transcends time.
What makes this “Wicked” production in Singapore a must-see event?
Zoe: It’s a show for everyone! You will want to bring every family member. You don’t need to know the show before coming in to love it. You leave singing the songs and talking about the grand spectacle that it is. You truly wouldn’t be disappointed.
Courtney: It is a timeless Broadway blockbuster that can change your life, for good. For a first-time theatergoer, it is the perfect show and spectacle to introduce you to the world of theater and for those regular theatergoers, it's a culmination of everything that is wonderful about the art form. It is a truly special cast and a unique yet fundamentally authentic production.
The Singapore season of “Wicked” runs until April 27, 2025, at Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. Tickets are on sale via Marina Bay Sands Ticketing, SISTIC, and Klook. For more information, visit @baseasia on Instagram or marinabaysands.com.
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