They identify as an Elphaba or a Glinda, and I think that’s probably what will most resonate. What do you think audiences will be most moved by when they go to see “Wicked”?ĪB: I think what people are so moved by and what we continue to hear over and over again from different fans and patrons that come to see the show is that they identify with the characters. So yes, I’d probably seen it three or four times before I actually booked the show. So my little eighth grade self had a big dream, but I knew that’s what I wanted to pursue. “Wicked” has been around for almost half my life, but the minute that I saw Jennifer Laura Thompson come from the bubble, I thought that’s what I wanted to do for a career. Had you seen the production before working in the show?ĪB: Totally! I saw the show when I was 12 at the Gershwin Theatre in New York. And I will always love wearing the bubble dress. I think some of the joy of being able to do the show for so long is the people that you work with, and I feel really blessed that we have such a great company.
I love that we’re able to perform in front of an audience and that the interaction with the audience changes every night. What do you love the most about being on stage?ĪB: Honestly, there’s so much to love. And especially since you’ve gotten to be her for so long.ĪB: Totally! I feel like she’s a part of me now. But obviously Glinda will always been near and dear to my heart.Ībsolutely. I was Ophelia in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and I was Shelby in “Steel Magnolias.” So those are probably some of my favorites. What were some of your favorite roles to play over the years? I know “Wicked” has been what you’ve done post-college but what about during?ĪB: I did do shows in college. Then I booked the show and then I’ve been on the road ever since. So I went to Boston for four years and got my BFA in musical theater, then I moved to New York City and lived there for about a year. I grew up doing community theater and everything, but when I moved to Boston, that’s when I really started pursuing a career in that. I went to college in Boston, so I went to the Boston Conservatory of musical theater. How did you get into the business?ĪB: I’m from Pensacola, Florida. So I’ve been on the road for over four years! I understudied for three years and eight months, and then I was only gone for three weeks over the summer and then I took over as the lead. How long have you been touring with “Wicked”?Īllison Bailey: I have been on the road for over four years. She shares the story of how she came to join the "Wicked" cast, what she thinks audiences will most resonate with in the show and what it's like to wear the amazing bubble dress.
We chatted with actress Allison Bailey who plays the famous Glinda the Good Witch. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendship until the world decides to call one "good," and the other one "wicked."
#GLINDA THE GOOD WITCH SKIN#
There is a young woman born with emerald-green skin who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. The story is based in Oz, but long before Dorothy arrives. 19, "Wicked" is a can't-miss attraction packed with all your musical favorites including "Defying Gravity," "Popular" and "The Wizard and I." Now showing at the Robinson Center through Jan. Having recently celebrated its 16th year on Broadway, this mega-popular musical has won more than 100 international awards including a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards. "Wicked" is back in central Arkansas and is still as magical as ever.