‘Wicked’ technical bump-in in full swing

STACEY, the Time Dragon, seems to watch over the production crew—including 50 Filipino workers.

With just a couple of days before the Australasian production of “Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz” opens here in Manila, the production crew of the popular musical was still neck-deep in work at recreating the magical Land of Oz at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater’s stage as of Friday.

The Inquirer and other select reporters were invited to look around at the technical bump-in that day. The first thing that greeted us as we entered the theater was the imposing figure of the Time Dragon mounted at the center of the proscenium, decked with faux, rusty metal cogwheels.

COMPANY manager Bec Windsor

Made of foam rubber and mobilized by pulleys, the dragon’s wingspan was about the length of the arch; its claws were out, ready to swoop down and pounce. But for something that looked so daunting, this creature has a rather unassuming nickname—“Stacey.” And for the good part of our visit, it seemed as if she was looking over the workers as they went about their business below.

Instead of the brass, percussion-heavy overture and the rest of Stephen Schwartz’s sweeping musical score, a cacophony of pounding hammers, clanging metal chains and barks of orders echoed in the air.

Riggers stood atop the proscenium, unmindful of the height. Technicians installed lights on either side of the stage, while a group of stagehands continued working on the floor, attending to the scenery wagons and the set’s many other automated parts.

Completion target

The production crew, which included around 50 Filipino workers, started assembling the stage last Jan. 2. Everything is expected to be completed before the “Wicked” cast arrives in Manila and starts rehearsals on Friday.

Overseeing the laborious process was technical director Cameron Flint, who related that he first visited the CCP in October 2012 to survey the theater. “I then came back six months later with the crew—lighting and sound technicians, riggers, etc.—to continue the process of figuring out how to make the show work,” he said.

The team had been working six days a week, 14 hours a day (some work the night shift).

Flint spoke highly of the Filipino workers. “They have been doing an excellent job in all departments. The riggers, mechanists, stagehands, technicians—they’re an absolute pleasure to work with.”

He added: “They’re all professional, skilled. Their work ethic has been excellent, and so it’s been very easy for us.”

Prior to its Manila run this month, the Australasian production of “Wicked” held a series of shows around Australia from 2008 to 2011, and then proceeded to Singapore, Seoul, South Korea, and most recently, Auckland, New Zealand.

Flint said that all production requirements and equipment—weighing approximately 25 tons—were brought to Manila via 23 shipping containers. “That’s about as large as ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’” he pointed out.

Lavish, intricate

While initially hesitant to give exact figures, he eventually relented that the entire set, which was constructed for the Australasian production’s debut season in Melbourne in 2008, cost

Technical director Cameron Flint think the Filipino workers are “all professional, skilled. Their work ethic is excellent, and it’s been very easy for us.”

AUD$12 million.

“The show flows beautifully from scene to scene. Many things are happening behind as the current scene plays out. And before you know it, you’re onto the next,” Flint said. “There’s only one blackout in the entire time, which goes to show that the whole thing is live and happening in front of you.”

Meanwhile, company manager Bec Windsor said that unlike other touring productions of “Wicked,” theirs have the same technical specifications as those found on Broadway and in the West End. “This is the biggest touring production,” she said, “because … the other touring productions [may] have the same effects, but not all the technical elements.”

Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” the musical follows Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, and the unlikely friendship she forges with Elphaba, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.” The production is directed by Joe Mantello; music and lyrics by Schwartz; and book by Winnie Holzman.

“Wicked” will run at the CCP from Jan. 22 to Feb. 23. A benefit show will be held on Jan. 31 at 1:30 p.m. for Supertyphoon “Yolanda” survivors, to be followed by an auction.

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