Teal Wicks made her Wicked debut playing the role of Elphaba in the Los Angeles production. She appeared in the National Tour of Pippin (Catherine), in New York City Center Encores! Stairway to Paradise directed by Jerry Zaks, in the New York premiere of Fahrenheit 451 (Clarisse), in the World Premiere of Turandot, in Rumble for the Ring (Turandot) at Bay Street Theatre, and in 1776 (Martha) and Pippin (Catherine) both at the Goodspeed Opera House. Teal was born and raised in Sacramento and earned a B.F.A. in Drama from University of California at Irvine.

What was the casting process like for you for the role of Elphaba?

It's quite a process! I think I had about 6 auditions before I was cast as the standby in the LA company. I was initially auditioning for different Elphaba covers in the various US companies. At one point, I even went through dance auditions.

What have you found to be the most challenging aspect of the role? And, the most enjoyable?

The role is definitely the most demanding vocally and physically than any other role I've done. I have very little time off stage and most of it is spent running to the next scene. So it often feels like a marathon. But that's one of the things that's so great about this role is that once I start there's no turning back and I'm just gaining more and more momentum as the story progresses, I mean Elphaba literally runs in front and center for her entrance. It's getting geared up to take this ride that is the most challenging, but once those doors fly open and I run downstage, it's a thrill.

Do you have a specific warm-up routine?

I'm kind of always figuring out what the best warm-up routine is for me. I'm not the type that falls into routine easily. So I sort of figure out from day to day what I need to get me geared up for the show because every day is different and you have to do what's best for you on that particular day.

How long does it take to get into hair and makeup to be transformed into Elphaba?

A half hour to be fully transformed

Besides Wicked, what are your top five favorite musicals and why?

As I discover more and more musicals my favorites are always evolving, but I think these are the staples in no particular order: Sweeney Todd (I love musicals with a dark side and everytime I hear ‘The Ballad of Sweeney Todd' I get goosebumps), Cabaret (like I said, I love musicals with a dark side. It's sexy, it's sinister, it's a fantasy world colliding with a very harsh reality, the characters are rich and complex, and the music is fantastic!) West Side Story (It's brilliant and beautiful, it is a historical piece of theatre), Les Miz (The first musical I knew every word to and I will always love it!) Little Shop of Horrors (It's hilarious, sweet, tragic, quirky, unique, and has some of the best songs to belt your heart out to)

What stage role, past or present, would you like to inhabit and why?

All of them! There are too many amazing characters that have been created on stage and so many that have yet to be created. To be able to originate a remarkable role would be a dream come true. I have to say though, that "Annie" was my favorite movie growing up and I have always wanted to play Mrs. Hannigan.

What was the first role you ever performed?

It was a 6th grade performance of Julius Ceaser. I played Calpurnia with her fantastic dream monologue that I'm sure I had no idea what I was saying, but I sure enjoyed acting it out.

What advice would you give young aspiring musical performers?

I would say expose yourself to as many different styles of theatre, dance, and music you can. You never know what you'll be asked to do, so the more you know the greater the knowledge you have to draw from. But what most important is to be true to yourself. It is a world full of highs and lows and to get through it all you must trust your instincts and follow your heart.

When you have down time, what are your guilty pleasures?

Hearing live music is always my first choice. I am always game for a movie marathon. Eating delicious food. Seeking out green spaces for hikes or picnics.

What are your enjoying the most about San Francisco?

I have always loved this city, so I'm just enjoying discovering what it's like to live day to day here.

What do you think is important, culturally, about live performance?

It is a venue for individual voice, expression, and imagination. It's rich in history and tradition, yet continues to explore and innovate. It's universal and accessible to all.

For more about Wicked, click here.

Show photos: Joan Marcus
Head shot courtesy of Teal Wicks

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