‘Wicked’ Cast Casts a Spell at Dubai Opera: A Magical Journey Down the Yellow Brick Road

‘Wicked’ Cast Casts a Spell at Dubai Opera: A Magical Journey Down the Yellow Brick Road

Dubai: Broadway meets Dubai Opera as the acclaimed musical Wicked brings the Land of Oz to the city in a show that truly defies gravity. The production, staged by Broadway Entertainment Group and running until February 3, transports audiences to a time before Dorothy’s arrival, exploring the origin stories of the Wicked Witch of the East, Glinda the Good, and the other iconic characters of Oz.

The story begins with the death of the Wicked Witch of the West and the passing of her iconic shoes, leading to a humorous and thought-provoking question from the Wicked Witch of the East: “Who takes a dead woman’s shoes?” Through flashbacks, audiences witness the lives of Elphaba Thropp, born with her signature green hue, and Galinda, a popular young woman destined to become Glinda the Good. Their journey through Shiz University complete with talking animal professors and magical lessons sets the stage for a tale of friendship, ambition, and self-discovery.

Elphaba, portrayed by Rebekah Lowings, commands the stage with a righteous intensity, particularly in her show-stopping performance of Defying Gravity. Michael Mather brings a commanding presence with his rich vocals reminiscent of a young Phil Collins, while Eve Shanu-Wilson’s Glinda charms audiences with her playful, low growls and sparkling stage presence. Together, the cast delivers a powerful mix of humor, music, and emotion that leaves audiences humming along.

The production also explores the backstories of the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow, revealing a more tragic depth than fans might expect, and even explains the classic mystery of why water can melt a witch. Despite a technical delay at the start, the magic of the performance was undiminished, with the audience captivated once the curtain finally rose.

Wicked not only entertains but also delivers lasting lessons about perspective, the complexity of good and evil, and the enduring power of love and friendship. As Elphaba and Glinda navigate the challenges of Oz, the musical reminds viewers that even in a world of grey morality, courage, compassion, and loyalty always shine through. Dubai audiences were left spellbound, taking a bow at the end of the yellow brick road alongside the unforgettable characters who have defined Broadway for over two decades.