Q&A — Courtney Monsma

INTERVIEW BY: VANESSA MULQUINEY

Almost 20 years since its premiere on Broadway, Wicked remains one of the most successful and popular musicals in the world. Winner of over 100 major awards including three Tony Awards®, Wicked is currently playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre and will begin its Melbourne run next month.

Courtney Monsma, who leads the stellar Australian cast as Glinda, sat down with us to chat all things Wicked, what she loves about the Gold Coast and where she’s headed next on holiday.

Congratulations on your role as Glinda in Wicked. Can you describe the show in four words for those unfamiliar with it?

Magical, layered, thought-provoking, fun!

How did you prepare for the role?

I genuinely ran around a room singing Popular to train my breath! I love preparing for a role, it’s my favourite part of the process. For Glinda, I learnt the material in a neutral way and my goal was to come into the rehearsal room with an openness that would help me when being directed. I steered away from researching other productions as I knew, at the heart of it, that I had to find my own authentic Glinda.

Wicked premiered in 2003 on Broadway—it’s safe to say the show is iconic! What are you most excited about for Australian audiences?

I am so excited that Australia gets to see this Broadway production in their own backyard. I’m excited for the audience to come to the theatre and fall in love with the show for the first time, or the hundredth time. I’m a big fan of our Aussie production and I’m excited for the audience to see our spin on this iconic musical.

Describe your perfect day in your hometown of the Gold Coast?

It would start with a nice sleep in and then I would head to Talley Beach with my partner where we would grab brunch at our favourite spot. Then I’d spend most of the day swimming at the beach. To finish off the day I would love to grab dinner locally, then spend the evening with my family.

Top tips for visitors to the Gold Coast?

Visit the beautiful strip of Gold Coast beaches! Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also a favourite and a great place to bring kids, and of course, the theme parks!

Where are you headed on your next holiday?

Because my life is so hustle and bustle, I would actually love to return to New Zealand on a van trip. The sights are so beautiful and calming which is perfect for my busy lifestyle.

What is your once-in-a-lifetime bucket list destination?

I desperately want to visit Bora Bora! I have some French Polynesian descent so I would love to visit the land and swim in the water.