Shout and cheers could be heard coming from all four corners of the North Hall of Sekolah Sri Cempaka Cheras, signifying the end of yet another successful box office production by the young and talented Cempakans. The enthusiastic crowd stood up and gave a standing ovation to the deserving performers as they re-entered the stage for the curtain call. We Will Rock You was a phenomenal hit and a huge accomplishment for the Cempaka Performing Arts Company.

While We Will Rock You was about a young dreamer, bringing rock back to a world where true music is banned, Wicked tells the enticing tale of two witches with contrasting personalities and how they eventually become the Wicked Witch of The West and Glinda, the Good Witch. Wicked The Musical is the prequel to The Wizard of Oz. The original Broadway cast consists of Idina Mendel as Elphaba, Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, Joel Grey as the Wizard and Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero. This outstanding musical was written by the legendary Stephen Schwartz and was based on the book by Gregory Maguire. It opened at Broadway’s Gershwin Theatre on October 30th, 2003, and celebrated its 1000th performance on March 23rd, 2006! Thus far, Wicked has won two Grammy awards, a drama desk award and has received its 6th Tony nomination. Since its opening in June at the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, Chicago’s Wicked has broken box-office records for many weeks, earning more than 1.2$ million!

The story takes place in the Land of Oz and revolves around a girl who is born with green skin. Elphaba, who has been scorned by many narrow-minded Munchkin folks due to her unusual complexion, sets off to Shiz University where she meets Galinda, who is very popular and well-liked. They hate each other at first sight because of their extremely different qualities but inexplicably end up as roommates. When Madame Morrible, the school’s headmistress realises Elphaba’s talent in sorcery, she is accepted to join Morrible’s special class. The Wizard, who is a well-known and respected individual in Munchkinland, requests a meeting with Elphaba after hearing very much about her talent. The Wizard reveals that he cannot do magic and wants Elphaba to help him. When Elphaba refuses after finding out that he is torturing animals, he devises schemes to capture her to ensure that his secret never gets out. This forces Elphaba to conceal herself from the outside world. Elphaba seeks help from Nessarose, but is denied assistance. Fiyero, who is Glinda’s (her name was changed as a protest of cruelty to animals) boyfriend, realizes his true feelings for Elphaba and decids to run away with her. Feeling betrayed, Glinda helps Madame Morrible and the Wizard to trap Elphaba by putting her sister in danger. However, Glinda finds herself consumed by guilt and decides instead to help Elphaba by faking her death. The musical ends with Elphaba and Glinda going their separate ways.

This musical contains many addictive songs, creative costumes and marvelous music. Wicked is predicted to take Cempaka by storm, so make sure you don’t miss out on the fun!