WHICH WITCH: Shannen Toole as Galinda the Good Witch and Hannah Symonds as Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West in Parkes M&D’s Wicked.
This week, the Forbes Phoenix caught up with Wicked star Shannen Toole who plays the good witch Galinda in the Parkes M&D production.
Tell us a little about your role in Wicked and who you play?
I play Galinda the Good Witch who is a popular and self-absorbed character who is determined to make everyone love her and she remain the centre of attention.
What do you enjoy about the live theatre?
It’s just magical. Being a part of any musical is always a once in a lifetime experience and putting together a show that can transport you away for a few moments is always something I cherish being involved in.
What is the story about?
It is about the untold story of an unlikely friendship between two girls who meet at Shiz University as students. One is the blonde and popular Galinda and the other is an outcast and slightly misunderstood green girl named Elphaba played by my wonderful friend and cast mate Hannah Symonds. It follows their journey to meet the Wizard of Oz and how their lives take very different paths following this meeting. Galinda is however seduced by power and popularity while Elphaba stays true to herself and to those around her which has unexpected consequences for both the girl’s futures. This in time will see them become Galinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Is acting/ music a passion or hobby or both?
It’s definitely both. I’ve been ‘bitten by the bug’ for musical theatre ever since primary school and music has always been played in our household growing up and has done still to this day.
Wicked is sold out and wraps on May 23.