When Wicked, one of the most successful and beloved musicals in the world, lands in Mumbai, it will bring with it the magic, spectacle and emotional depth that has captivated audiences across Broadway and the West End for over two decades.
Set before the events of The Wizard of Oz, the musical tells the story of the unlikely friendship between two young women in the land of Oz, Glinda, the effervescent socialite, and Elphaba, the misunderstood girl who will one day become the Wicked Witch of the West.
Opening at Mumbai’s Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) on March 12, the production features Eve Shanu-Wilson as Glinda and Rebekah Lowings as Elphaba. While Glinda sparkles with charm and comic timing, Elphaba anchors the story with emotional intensity and powerhouse vocals, making their evolving friendship the heart of the musical.
In a conversation with THE WEEK, Shanu-Wilson and Lowings speak about inhabiting these iconic roles, the physical and emotional demands of the show, and the enduring themes of identity, acceptance and friendship that continue to make Wicked resonate with audiences worldwide.
EVE SHANU-WILSON (Glinda)
Q/ Glinda is such a vibrant and charismatic character. How do you bring your own flair to her while staying true to the role's essence?
A/ Our creative team had a big part in that. It was a very collaborative process, where we did a lot of table work in finding where Glinda sits emotionally in each scene, and then once we got it on its feet, I made sure to always wear heels, as the minute I do I become physically very different to myself. I think I have some similar qualities to Glinda, in being quite physically expressive, so I tried to not overthink creating little isms, and just let them come from responding to other people on stage.
Q/ What is the most challenging aspect of portraying Glinda?
A/ I think it’s the consistency of energy throughout. She is always moving, always ready to go, and no matter what is going on outside the show, I always want to give the audience an opening night show, which takes its toll on your body and your energy levels!
Q/ Can you share a moment in rehearsals that was particularly memorable or eye-opening for you as you prepared for this role?
A/ I think for me it was hearing Rebekah Lowings sing “Defying Gravity” with the whole ensemble. It was the moment where I thought, God, I’m in Wicked with some seriously talented people. It’s a massive privilege, and I said to myself in that moment that I wouldn’t take it for granted.
Q/ Glinda’s transformation from a bubbly sorority girl to a more self-aware character is fascinating. How do you work on this character arc throughout the performance?
A/ I think that just doing Glinda’s track during Act 1 really helps, in that it is exhausting, so by the time you get to Act 2, I’m definitely in that slightly more refined, subtle frame of mind. Also, the change in music that I sing is a massive help. Act 1 is pretty much all upbeat, uptempo and soprano. In Act 2, I get to access a lot more of my belt quality and a lower register, which literally puts me in a different space, vocally and mentally.
Q/ How do you prepare for the emotionally intense moments in Wicked, especially in Glinda’s more vulnerable scenes?
A/ Rebekah is my absolute rock, and I think we rely on each other to get ourselves out of a potential funky headspace. I also make sure during the show I just goof around with my dresser Kris and cast and crew, and they’re a great bunch of people to do that with! I just listen to the music, that is the most powerful thing in transporting me into a different place emotionally, and go for it!
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REBEKAH LOWINGS (Elphaba)
Q/ Elphaba is such a powerful and complex character, both physically and emotionally. What is your process for connecting with her deeply before stepping into the role?
A/ I totally agree that Elphaba is such a powerful and complex character. My prep starts with warm‑up. Connecting with the cast and crew before each show is imperative; you have to trust the team that surrounds you, the team is honestly the best in the business. I love them a lot. For me personally, I think it’s super important as an actor to lace your personal experiences with your character to make it more truthful. Reminding yourself of the academics before each show, Elphaba’s characteristics and what drives her. Our associate Sophia McAvoy is truly the anchor for me and helps reconnect me any time things get murky.
Q/ Wicked deals with themes of acceptance, power, and identity. How do you relate to Elphaba’s struggles with these themes personally?
A/ Themes of acceptance and identity run throughout this show, and I think truly anyone can relate to this, which is why the show is so successful. Ever been bullied? I have, really badly throughout my childhood, just for wanting to sing and putting myself out there. I had to change primary schools and face bullies every day, it was a real struggle. Playing Elphaba has actually healed a deep part of that for me. Being in my 30s now, I’ve finally found my power and voice within the industry just as she does throughout the show. It really is life imitating art in the most beautiful way.
Q/ The role of Elphaba requires immense vocal and emotional range. How do you maintain vocal health and stamina for such a demanding role?
A/ Vocal health or maintenance is my secret weapon. I find vocal technique fascinating and have studied it for many years. I’ve learnt what my voice can and can’t do and am incredibly lucky that on a show like this me and the music department have worked really hard to find what’s consistent and sustainable. I’ve worked with our musical supervisor Richard Morris before, and he really knew my voice, so this helped a lot, especially with entrusting me the role. It’s no secret that Elphaba’s part is really tricky to sing, but I’ve loved getting to know her vocally and navigating my way around a 7‑show week. I say 7 because we have a wonderful alternate who performs the role of Elphaba once a week (Charlotte Soo) who is just immense. I’m eternally grateful for the team we have helping us all to sustain this role vocally. Oh, and special mention to our sound team who are honestly the best humans around. They are the true heroes here. Vocal tips for dry countries: 1. Nebulise 2. Hydrate. 3. Vocals warm up and down! 4. Self‑massage/tongue relaxation!
Q/ Elphaba’s relationship with Glinda is so dynamic. How do you interpret the evolution of their friendship throughout the show?
A/ In Wicked, I see Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship as a journey from judgement to genuine love. They start off projecting assumptions onto each other, Elphaba sees Glinda as superficial, and Glinda sees Elphaba as difficult and strange. But once they’re forced into closeness, they begin to truly see one another.
Their friendship deepens through vulnerability and choice. By “Defying Gravity”, they love each other, but they stand for different things, Elphaba chooses integrity, Glinda chooses influence. That difference creates distance, not because they stop caring, but because they grow in different directions. By “For Good,” their relationship has matured into gratitude. They may not end up on the same path, but they’ve permanently changed each other, and that’s what makes their friendship so powerful.
Q/ Can you share a particular performance or moment where Elphaba's transformation resonated with you on a deeper level?
A/ A moment that always resonates with me is “Defying Gravity”. It’s the point where Elphaba stops trying to be accepted and fully steps into who she is. That transformation, choosing truth over approval, feels powerful every time, because it’s not just about flying, it’s about freedom.
Q/ Wicked has a huge fan following worldwide. What has been one of the most touching interactions you’ve had with a fan of the show so far?
A/ For me, it’s the children that come and see the show. The film has introduced a whole new demographic to theatre, and it reminds me of when I was their age, meeting the performers and just being gobsmacked. I love a meet and greet after the show, people are so kind, and the thought of being able to connect with so many people makes my heart very happy.