The Witches of WICKED: Jemma Rix and Suzie Mathers
JEMMA RIX and SUZIE MATHERS talk of their love for the musical touted as Broadway's biggest blockbuster and share amusing personal and professional anecdotes with Jassmin Peter.
JR: I play Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Smart, strong and kind, she's born with green skin and is an outcast throughout her life because of that. But she still stands up for what she believes no matter what the outcome.
SM: I play the role of Glinda the Good Witch, who is very popular, blonde, bubbly, funny and a little spoiled. She's used to getting everything and does everything with good intentions - the only way she knows how. In the show she goes on a journey and learns a lot about life, herself and builds a strong friendship with Elphaba. She makes her entrance in a bubble - it can't get much better than that!
JR: In 2006 I played the role of Elphaba in an adaptation of WICKED at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. I had to perform the role in Japanese and was coached by the Japanese performer who played Glinda to make sure I was speaking and singing the role correctly.
SM: I was originally cast in the Melbourne production of WICKED and was part of the ensemble for 18 months. Later I was cast in the role of Sophie Sheridan for the Australian tour of Mamma Mia! - the musical. I played Sophie for a year and just before the run came to an end I accepted an offer from WICKED to come back as the understudy for both the Midwife and Glinda. It wasn't a hard decision to go back to the show because not only did I have lots of friends who were still part of the production, but also it gave me the chance to learn and possibly perform the role of Glinda - something I had wanted to do for years.
TF: Favourite scene in WICKED?
JR: It depends on my mood. If I'm happy and playful I love performing What Is This Feeling? If I'm in a bad mood, I'm more inclined to perform No Good Deed well.
SM: I love the part of the show which we call the Elphie dance. It's when the two girls become friends. It's such a beautiful moment and through a simple dance they put their differences aside and begin what becomes a lifelong friendship. I also like the scene that follows when we sing Popular. It's a lot of fun.
TF: Suzie, tell us about your time at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)?
SM: WAAPA is a great training ground if you're interested in pursuing a career in musical theatre. It accepts 18 students into the course annually based on auditions held across the country. The school is in Perth, Western Australia, which is quite secluded from the country's main performing industry, so you can really focus on learning, pushing your boundaries and making the mistakes you need to make to grow, in a protected environment. It's hard work, a great place to learn but also a fun part of my life!
I used to teach a lot when I was at WAAPA but now I do more talks than classes. I still visit WAAPA and other schools to talk to students about the industry or how to deal with setbacks in life. The performing arts industry is very fickle so it's nice to impart some of the knowledge I've gained to rising stars.
TF: Jemma, how do you juggle marriage and a full-time musical career?
JR: Considering the odd hours we work in the musical theatre industry the biggest challenge is finding time to spend together. Thankfully my husband is a professional triathlete and works flexible hours so we get plenty of time together, unless he is overseas racing. I'm really excited for him to join me here in Singapore.
TF: Any amusing moments on stage?
JR: I once got my dress caught on a trap door on stage. I tried to walk away and couldn't because I was stuck and the audience starting laughing at me so I laughed with them too.
SM: While touring around Australia recently I had to go to the dentist between shows for an urgent filling. The dentist assured me the anaesthetic would wear off before the show started but it didn't. It was extremely hard to sing when the left side of my face was frozen! Needless to say everyone watching me was very amused.
TF: How will you spend your time off in Singapore?
JR: I look forward to sampling all the traditional local cuisine and experiencing the Singaporean way of life.
SM: From everything I've read, Singapore is apparently a shopping and food haven, so I look forward to sampling a bit of both. I'm also interested in being a tourist and doing some essential sightseeing.
Be a star!
Jemma and Suzie share top tips...
- Work hard at all three disciplines - singing, dancing and acting.
- Don't be afraid to fail
- Put yourself in challenging situations
- Believe in yourself
- Know your strengths and audition for roles that suit you.
- Seek professional training
- Practise and work hard
- Keep yourself grounded
- Most of all have fun!
WICKED December 7 - January 29, 2012
Tues-Fri 7.30pm, Sat & Sun 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Go back in time long before Dorothy dropped in, and meet two other girls in the Land of Oz who forge an unlikely friendship and tell the untold story of the Witches of Oz. Marina Bay Sands, Grand Theater. Tickets: $55-$250. www.sistic.com.sg
Posted Nov 2011
