Tauranga Musical Theatre has unveiled the cast for its eagerly awaited 2026 production of Wicked.

The internationally acclaimed musical will take over Baycourt Community and Arts Centre from September 17 to October 3.

Leading the production is Ashleen Fahy as Elphaba and Morgan Kitching as Galinda, with Karla Lyford and Claire Steel stepping into the roles as their respective alternates.

Fiyero will be played by Fletcher Oxford, returning to Tauranga after performing in more than 1000 shows at Universal Studios, while Keegan Millar will perform as alternate Fiyero.

Alternate cast members will each appear in four performances throughout the season.

The principal cast also features Tim Chiari as The Wizard, Marilyn Collins-Smith as Madame Morrible, Amy van Leeuwen as Nessarose and Aadit Tandon as Boq.

Since its Broadway debut, Wicked has captivated audiences around the world with its production, emotional storytelling and iconic score.

The musical features songs including Defying Gravity, Popular and The Wizard and I.

Based on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked tells the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy’s arrival.

The musical follows the unlikely bond between Elphaba – intelligent, powerful and often misunderstood – and the charismatic and popular Galinda.

Tauranga Musical Theatre Wicked principal cast members Marilyn Collins-Smith (Madame Morrible, left) and Amy van Leeuwen (Nessarose).

Director David Adkins said the production continued to resonate strongly with modern audiences.

“This globally beloved and monumentally popular musical, made even more famous by the recent films, is a story about identity, friendship, acceptance of difference and challenging narratives.”

Adkins said about 100 people auditioned for the Tauranga Musical Theatre production and the standard was “very high”, “meaning we have a cast of the very highest calibre”.

Following the success of Jersey Boys in 2025, Les Misérables in 2024 and Matilda The Musical in 2023, Wicked is expected to continue the company’s tradition of large-scale, high-quality productions showcasing local talent on and off the stage.

Alternate roles will be played by Karla Lyford as alternate Elphaba (left), Claire Steel as alternate Galinda and Keegan Millat as alternate Fiyero.

Tauranga Musical Theatre president Keegan Miller said the organisation was thrilled to bring the celebrated musical to Tauranga audiences.

“It takes a village to get these incredible shows into Baycourt.”

Miller said more than 130 volunteers would “gift their time” and energy to the performance across the cast, crew, orchestra and other teams.

“There is always a buzz and anticipation around our September flagship production and Wicked will be next level."

Tickets are on sale via Eventfinda.

Cast:

Elphaba: Ashleen Fahy

Elphaba alternate: Karla Lyford

Galinda: Morgan Kitching

Galinda alternate: Claire Steel

Fiyero: Fletcher Oxford

Fiyero alternate: Keegan Millar

The Wizard: Tim Chiari

Madame Morrible: Marilyn Collins-Smith

Nessarose: Amy van Leeuwen

Boq: Aadit Tandon

Ensemble: Alec VB Newington, Annabel King, Ash Forster, Bianca Pearce, Connor Weston, Beth Mitchell, Ethan Shiriwastow, Erin McCoy, George Cowen, Grace Gibson, Jacob West, Hannah Sarcich, Michael Gibbon, Maia Solomona, Mike Ellis, Rick Hopcroft, Maia Tukaokao Peckham, Nataalia Lunson, Taylor Takiwa, Pippa McKinnon, Sabi Singh, Shyanne Erueti, Sophie Hill, Tracy Scott, Wendy Coster,

Backing vocals: Alyssa Greaney, Harry Kim

Creative team:

Director: David Adkins

Vocal director: Hana Zreiket

Orchestra director: Hiro Kobayashi

Choreographer: Kaitlyn Weaver

Production manager: Helen O’Connor