Courtney Monsma’s Wicked games
Twenty years after its Broadway debut, Wicked is still one of the most successful and popular musicals in the world, winning over 100 major awards and bewitching over 65 million people worldwide. Described as “one of the most lavish musical productions to have ever played in Australia,” the show lands at Perth’s Crown Theatre in December, with tickets on sale now. SAMANTHA ROSENFELD talks with Courtney Monsma, who stars as Glinda, AKA the Good Witch of the South, to discuss standing up for what’s right, working with theatre royalty, and flying onstage in a bubble.
You have appeared in many stage musicals, including as Princess Anna in Frozen the Musical, Katherine Howard in Six The Musical, and understudying Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. What do you love about performing in musicals, and why do you think audiences still love them so much?
Musicals are the perfect sense of escapism, and I feel they are storytelling personified! I love that musical theatre combines all of my passions, and I have found it to be a challenging yet super rewarding job. While each production I’ve done is unique and special, universally, they have all given me that unexplainable feeling of joy you only get when in a theatre, whether that be in community, school, or on the professional stage.
I think audiences love musicals because they love to be immersed in a storytelling experience. Theatre caters to all, and if it’s not for admiring the performances, it’s the costume, set and technical elements, which Wicked has in spades! I really love the journey a show takes me on as an artist, and I believe the audiences come along for that same experience.
Wicked addresses themes of social justice, power, and the consequences of standing up for what is right. How do you think the musical speaks to audiences today, and what do you hope they take from the story?
I believe the story of Wicked speaks to not only the audiences of today but of any time the show is viewed, as it has such a deep correlation to the issues we face in society daily. I truly think that’s why the show will continue to be relevant years from now. Life is layered, and I believe audiences will be evoked by the complexity of morality explored on stage, as well as leave the theatre inspired by the courage to stand up for what is right, challenging injustice.
What I hope audiences take away from Wicked is a renewed sense of empathy and a deeper awareness of social issues. Wicked encourages reflection on the power of unity and the importance of challenging societal norms to create more compassion in the world. I hope the audiences leave the theatre with a sense of belonging to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their strengths, while also leaving with the songs on repeat in their minds because the score is too good!
You play Glinda, who makes some difficult choices and grows a lot throughout the musical. What have been the biggest challenges of performing such a complicated character, and what about it has been most satisfying?
Playing such a complex and demanding character is one of the most cathartic, challenging and rewarding experiences. Balancing the comedy while sticking to the depth of the story, her emotional range, and the vocal and physical demands is why Glinda is known as such a massive role in musical theatre. With a role such as this, it’s very important for me to get adequate rest between performances to enable me to go on her emotional arc eight times a week.
The most satisfying part of playing Glinda is exploring her authenticity and getting to have a play on stage. Each performance, I am finding new things in the moment—some that even surprise me—so playing Glinda is a gift for my natural instincts as an artist. Also, getting to fly in and out of a show by bubble is pretty surreal to me.
If you could play any role in all of musical theatre, what would you choose?
I feel as if I’ve already won the jackpot playing Glinda, but a dream role when I’m older would be to play Mama Rose in Gypsy! Though the ultimate dream would be to originate a role in a new musical.
What has it been like to perform alongside such celebrated and prolific performers like Robyn Nevin AO and Simon Burke AO?
It has been an absolute dream. Sharing the stage with Robyn and Simon has been such an honour, and I believe having the opportunity to act alongside them makes me better at my own craft. They are, rightfully so, well-respected, seasoned performers, and the biggest gift is seeing the energy they bring to the company. Getting to know them backstage has solidified how wonderful they are, and I never take a day working with them for granted.
Wicked is known for its dramatic special effects. Can Perth audiences expect some high-flying drama in this production?
Wicked is spectacular in every element, and even being in the show, I’m still amazed at the technical elements that truly transport you to another world. Perth audiences can expect to be thrilled and excited to see the magic happen—it all still gives me goosebumps!
What is the number one reason you would give to someone in Perth considering coming to see Wicked?
Whether you are a long-time theatre fan or this is your first experience, Wicked is fundamental and an incredible production that will have you feeling changed for the better.
We can’t wait to welcome audiences at Crown Theatre in December.