WICKED The Musical || Emily Monsma

The Fame Reporter interviewed Australian theatre performer originally from the Gold Coast, Emily Monsma starring in the Ensemble and Understudying lead role of Glinda in award-winning global Broadway blockbuster WICKED The Musical, playing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from 12 September.

We sat down with Emily and talked about her reaction when she was cast in this iconic show, working with her sister in a big Broadway Musical, the joy of understudying, living her wildest dreams on stage and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Emily, can you share with us what inspired you to pursue a career in musical theatre?
I was always a theatrical kid. I always performed with my siblings, concerts for our parents and grandparents. One day mum put us into Dance Class and we moved to a studio in Currumbin on the Gold Coast.

One of the teachers suggested we auditioned for a musical summer school production of ‘Annie’ being put on at the Gold Coast Arts Centre (now HOTA). To mum, and my surprise, and not knowing I could really sing, I booked the role of ‘Annie’ and experienced my first musical at age 10. The rest is history.

My parents continued to find Courtney and I opportunities for local musical productions around the Gold Coast.

Congratulations on being cast in the iconic WICKED The Musical! What was your reaction when you got cast?
I cried when my agent called. It has been a big wait of ‘being on hold’ and several auditions and tapes being sent away.

I was in a rehearsal at the time I found I was cast in WICKED and I stepped out to take the call. I was an excited mess. I called Courtney next!

What is the best part about your ensemble role and your favourite moment in your ensemble track?
The challenge of the dancing and the partnering is the best part. I have learnt so much. The choreography is just divine.

My favourite moments happen when connecting with my other ensemble cast mates. We just have the best time, and every show is a little different.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
Dolly Parton number one! Miley Cyrus and Kristin Chenoweth (the OG Glinda).

How do you approach understudying a comedic but emotive character like Glinda?
Staying truthful and just delivering in the text on the page. The comedy is all in there! Courtney plays Glinda so effortlessly and with such charm. It’s so fun to watch her each night.

I knew the text super well for Glinda going into rehearsal, so it took me quite a few cover calls to re-find my version.

What is it like juggling your ensemble role whilst covering a fan favourite like Glinda and what does being an understudy mean to you?
Honestly, pretty easy. You listen and see the show every night so it’s all in there like muscle memory when you have to go on. I share understudying with the amazing, Jordan Malone. When you go on for Glinda, it’s a completely different mindset and show. You experience so much more of the story, and you’re always so supported by your Elphie.

Understudying has become my favourite thing. It’s so rewarding. But the true heroes are the SWINGS! That takes so much. They each know at least 8 different versions of the show each.

What challenges or excitement does this show bring?
The challenges I’m currently finding is more within my body and mental mind set.

Keeping a good and healthy routine, and getting enough rest to fulfill an 8-show week. I’m loving this challenge and how to navigate fatigue or energy spikes!

I’m excited to come to Brisbane and have all of my closet friends and family come to see the show.

Can you share any advice for aspiring musical theatre performers and what was your experience like training at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University?
Keep at it. Keep the passion alive. Go to class, see theatre – not just the big tours but local productions and be supportive of all. That is the MOST important. Your time will come.

I’ve experienced many highs and lows since I graduated the Con in 2015. I had a few years of awful auditioning, but you must trust yourself and your abilities and personality. I’m still learning this and it makes my so much more confident.

I loved my time at the Con (now QAEMT Griffith University). The teachers are the best of the best. I learnt so much and truly discovered my singing voice. If it wasn’t for that, and my training with my singing teacher Geoffrey Ashenden, there is no way I could sing ‘Glinda’ in Wicked.

Imagine having that sort of training just here in Brisbane! I was obvious to me that was where I needed to train and Professor Paul Sabey taught me so much.

Are there any dream collaborations or projects you would love to pursue in the future?
I mean working with my sister is pretty legendary, so a couple more contracts together would be a bit of a dream. I think we make a pretty good duo.

Maybe a next Australian work that my sister and I could both star in together. That would be incredible. Anyone got any ideas?

How was it knowing you would be working with your sister Courtney on a major commercial blockbuster?
THE BEST. We still say this to each other. Who would have known that this was going to be in our future? It just felt right on this show.

We had been singing ‘For Good’ together for years and ‘Popular’ was one of our Eisteddfod numbers we’d pull out every now and then.

I get emotional just thinking about doing this together.

Courtney has been on the road in major musicals since 2017. I hadn’t seen much of her other than the opening nights and small trips. But now she’s just down the hall in her dressing room.

What is your favourite aspect about working with this stellar Australian cast on this magical production?
These friendships will last forever. It truly is a WICKED family. I’d heard people from past casts of Wicked say this, and I get it. We are bonded for life.

I’ve met some of my favourite people this past year. The talent is insane and the support of each other makes my heart so happy.

What can Brisbane audiences expect when coming to see WICKED if they have yet to see it?Wicked is just the most exceptional story.

Brisbane audiences can expect to see incredible performances, a luscious set, intricate costumes and beautiful story telling that will change you ‘for good’.