'Wicked' brings emerald magic to Korea with stellar international cast

Sheridan Adams, left, playing Elphaba in the touring production of "Wicked," and Courtney Monsma, playing counterpart Glinda, pose in this undated photo. The touring production of "Wicked" will arrive in Seoul in July. Courtesy of Clip Service

The touring production of the blockbuster musical "Wicked" will open in Korea in July, marking a highly anticipated return after 13 years.

Following successful runs in Australia and Singapore, the production draws attention with its acclaimed international cast, headlined by Sheridan Adams as Elphaba and Courtney Monsma as Glinda.

Adams, who dreamed of playing Elphaba since first hearing Idina Menzel's iconic "Defying Gravity," secured her lead role after impressing creators with her powerful audition performance. Her portrayal over 400 performances of the fiery green witch who challenges social norms has already garnered praise.

Opposite Adams, Monsma portrays the good witch with bright charisma and a clear voice, adding subtle complexity to the role. Monsma, who also portrayed Anna in the Australian production of Disney's "Frozen," fell in love with "Wicked" after watching it as her very first musical.

Joining Adams and Monsma is Liam Head, who takes on the role of the charismatic Prince Fiyero. Head, whose credits include "Grease" and "Legally Blonde," is a multifaceted artist with experience acting, screenwriting, directing and producing.

Veteran actor Simon Burke of "The Phantom of the Opera" and Moulin Rouge!" portrays the enigmatic Wizard, while Jennifer Vuletic plays Madame Morrible and Paul Hanlon is Doctor Dillamond. Chelsea Dean made her stage debut as Elphaba's sister Nessarose in this production of "Wicked," alongside Kurtis Papadinis as Boq. Zoe Coppinger will perform Elphaba in select performances as an alternate.

Since its Broadway debut, "Wicked" has enchanted over 70 million viewers in 16 countries, becoming one of the most beloved musicals of the time. It premiered in Korea as a touring production from Australia in 2012, followed by Korean-language productions in 2013, 2016 and 2021. The film version of the musical attracted over 2 million viewers here.

After the Seoul engagement at Blue Square's Shinhan Card Hall from July 12 to Oct. 26, the production will tour to Dream Theatre in Busan in November and Keimyung Art Center in Daegu in January 2026.