Currently being performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Lyric Theatre until November, Wicked has made Brisbane the third stop of its Australian national tour which commenced in Sydney last year. With a sizable principal and ensemble cast, the stage is regularly filled with delightful choreography and much for the eyes to feast on. This is partly thanks to the Dance Captains of the show, one of whom, Jackson Reedman, is from the Sunshine Coast and has graciously given up some of their time to talk with The Theatre Sphere about their time with the musical, their insights, advice and more.
Jackson Reedman serves dual-roles of both Swing and Dance Captain of Wicked the Musical’s Australian tour. Originally from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Jackson began his formal performing arts training in New York before completing his studies at Patrick Studios Australia. He first debuted during both 2019 and 2021 Australian productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and has since bee involved in the 50th Anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show (Dance Captain / Ensemble / Understudy), the premiere Australian tour of 9 to 5 the Musical (Ensemble / Assistant Dance Captain), and many other roles.
Please keep reading for our full interview with Reedman:
To start off with, can you share a bit about your history in the performing arts industry? What drew you into the world of musical theatre, and what have been some of the highlights of your career?
I was very lucky as a kid to be taken to many musicals with the family and instantly fell in love with it, and knew that I wanted to do it as a career. Highlights would definitely be performing in Rocky Horror Show the musical and of course Wicked.
What was your first exposure to firstly, Wicked in general, but secondly, the wider lore around the land of Oz (Eg. The original The Wizard of Oz film / novel etc)
I was lucky enough to see the original Australian cast in 2009 in Melbourne and have been in love with The Wizard of Oz film since a child. I also have had an obsession with Judy Garland since the age of 6 as well as played the scarecrow in my High School production of Wizard of Oz. So you can say the land of Oz has been in my life for quite some time haha.
What has it been like serving the dual role of Dance Captain and Swing on this Australian tour of Wicked? Can you perhaps give us insight into what a day in the working life of Jackson Reedman on Wicked is like?
It is a dream come true being in this role, it’s what I dreamed of for a long time. The day starts with deciding the cast change, when people are off sick/leave we have to figure who is on for the day. Then going into the theatre taking warm up for the company and giving notes to make sure the show is remaining at the Broadway standard we all know. Then commonly I will prepare to go onstage myself in one of the many ensemble plots. It’s a busy job and always juggling a bunch of responsibilities at once but is very rewarding.
As both Dance Captain and Swing on Wicked, your roles demand a unique blend of consistency and adaptability. Can you walk us through how you approach the physical and mental challenges of these responsibilities, and how you ensure both your own performance and the cast’s choreography remain sharp throughout the tour?
I believe they blend into one nicely as my job is to make sure that the shows choreography remain how the creatives set it as well as going onstage and performing in that direction. That means whenever I am watching the show I am taking note if we are staying in that realm that was created and relaying to the company what we need to focus on. I then make sure I take that on board myself when I go onstage and am constantly thinking about how myself as a performer can improve.
What have been some of the highlights of your time with Wicked so far?
I would have to say the first time I got to go onstage was a big moment for me. Another highlight was having Jemma Rix return to the show and rehearse with her to get her back in, such a legend.
Given your international training and extensive experience in the Australian theatre scene, how have your past experiences shaped your approach to your work on Wicked? Are there any significant lessons or moments of collaboration that have particularly impacted your journey in the performing arts?
Work hard and take the job seriously but don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s live theatre and things happen and change everyday so you need to be adaptable and not let the small things get you down.
Although Wicked was not part of the original ‘Wizard of Oz’ lore, it has boomed into an iconic work in its own right, that some may argue matches or even surpasses the original work. Why do you think Wicked initially resonated and continues to resonate with audiences today?
Everyone can relate to Wicked, the story resonates to the heart about don’t judge a book by it’s cover and the meaning of friendship. You will also be taken on a journey thru a different world in this spectacle of a show.
You (will soon be / are) back in Queensland for the next few months. Is there anything you are looking forward to doing now you are back in your home state?
Spend sometime up on the Sunshine Coast. My family is up there and can’t wait to spend some time with them all and enjoy the amazing Queensland beach’s.
What advice do you have for those who perhaps seeking to forge their own career in the performing arts industry?
Never give up and keep working hard. It’s a funny business and sometimes your break is just around the corner.
Rapid Fire Questions
Favourite Song in Wicked?
For Good
Favourite Moment in the show?
The Opening. Love it.
Favourite piece of choreography in the show?
OzDust Ballroom – it’s the part when all the Shiz students go to the ballroom and get to dance and celebrate. The choreography has unique shapes and styles that feels amazing to perform every night.
Favourite costume in the show?
My favourite costume in the show would be Emerald city. It’s like wearing couture and feels so elegant.
Favourite piece of staging / set design?
One Short Day – it’s so grand, big and bright!
First impression when walking into rehearsals on the first day?
That feeling of being apart of something with such history and is so special.
If you could fill the shoes of any character in Wicked for a night, no limitations, who would that character be?
Definitely Glinda! I can’t quite sing it in that key haha but would love to have fun with the character.
I would like to pass on my sincerest thanks to Jackson Reedman for taking the time out of their undoubtedly busy schedule to provide their thoughts, insights and more around their career and time with Wicked. I wish them all the best for the remainder of the tour! I would also like to thank the show’s Brisbane publicist, Cinnamon Watson, for facilitating this interview opportunity.
Interested in attending a performance of Wicked? The musical will be performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Lyric Theatre until 24 November 2024, where it will then pivot to Perth’s Crown Theatre from December 2024 for what is currently planned as the final leg of its tour. Ticketing information for both states and venues can be found via the official Wicked the Musical Australia website. Want to know how this production stacks up? Check out my full review of the Brisbane season!
