What it’s really like to play Glinda in Wicked — Courtney Monsma gets honest about anxiety and growth

It’s been 22 years since cult-classic Wicked first debuted on Broadway, introducing us to our favourite witches of Oz: gravity-defying Elphaba and oh-so-popular Glinda. 

While the glitz and allure of the fantastical land of Oz, along with earworms like Dancing Through Life, captivate audiences, it is the touching story of friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, their transformation, and the exploration of moral goodness that keeps fans coming back. 

Wicked hasn’t just had a profound impact on fans — Courtney Monsma, who plays Glinda in the play, feels its impact, too. Having kicked off the Singaporean leg of Wicked just two weeks ago, we check in with her as she opens up about mental health, personal growth, and the power of sisterhood. 

How does it feel to reprise your role as Glinda, and what’s changed for you personally and professionally since the Australian tour?

It feels so special to be continuing my journey with this character. The Australian tour of Wicked taught me so much and every time I go up in the bubble, I fly with even more knowledge about the character and myself. My personal life experience as I grow adds to the layers of my performance and it’s a really unique thing to continually add nuance to a role I’ve played so many times. I find myself stepping into my own a lot more at this point in the run and feeling like the leader that Glinda is, rather than just “pretending”. 

How do you approach Glinda’s transformation—from the “popular girl” to a more vulnerable, supportive “girl’s girl”?

I navigate this complicated arc by sticking true to the writing and staying true to her authenticity, which is always so strong. Each experience that happens within the script teaches her something, so I allow myself to be affected in the moment by those things. Glinda’s privilege is something that in the beginning is self-serving and, with the help of her circumstances and the lessons she learns from Elphaba, she then utilises for “good”. I focus on her definition of what “good” is and how that morphs and changes. 

You’ve mentioned struggling with stage anxiety and even experiencing panic attacks on stage. How do you manage to push through those tough moments while still giving your best performance? 

When I first experienced panic attacks early in my career, I didn’t have the tools to understand or attend to them. It’s through going through the hardship of experiencing them that I know I can rely on what I’ve learnt to get me through. For me it’s all about safety. On Wicked, if I’m experiencing a moment like this, instead of keeping it private, I share with my fellow cast members where I’m at and that makes my environment feel safer. It’s the most beautiful thing to work with such an incredible cast and crew where I can express that I’m going through it, be flying up to preset in my bubble, and then have cast members and crew blowing kisses or just making eye contact to remind me that I’m safe. I also remind myself that this internal struggle is something all humans feel and Wicked, being such a layered show, allows me to harness those emotions. They become a super power when telling such a deep story. 

Wicked explores the themes of good and bad – some audience members might see Glinda as a villain from Elphaba’s perspective. In your own life, have you ever felt like the villain in someone’s story? 

I definitely have and this is something I’ve always struggled with; the lack of control of not having your perspective understood from the outside or your good intent known to those who other you. As a people pleaser, if I hurt someone in life with malice or not, I’ve learnt that self-awareness is important along with forgiveness and as long as I take accountability and learn, then I am doing my part. 

How have your real-life friendships influenced how you approach and portray Glinda and Elphaba’s complicated friendship on stage? 

The complexities of a relationship with a sister really parallel those dynamics that are explored through these characters, especially the unwavering love and sacrifice that happens within the story. As someone who experiences privilege in life like Glinda, it is really revealing to understand how my privilege can impact my life and friendships and how powering together results in rising together. The characters’ friendship is complex and it reminds me that love isn’t black and white, it’s nuanced and layered, and I see that with my friendships and connections outside of work. 

What was it like working alongside your sister, Emily Monsma, as your understudy in Wicked’s Australian tour, and how did you support each other throughout?

To experience your dream show alongside your sister is a dream come true, and I still pinch myself that the stars have aligned in that way. I have shared many stages with Emily growing up and this is the most special stage to share. Having that unwavering support and love is something I never take for granted. She is an extraordinary person and it’s not often you come back from a scene and return to your dressing room looking that little bit tidier because your sister has come and cleared things up. It’s so unique to support her when she is playing Glinda too — the only hard thing is I want to just watch her shine when I’m not at work! 

Is there anything in particular that helps you fully step into the role of Glinda? 

I’m such a creature of habit and sticking to routine is both part of my process to access my character and to calm my nerves before jumping in the bubble. I find my time doing my show makeup very therapeutic and Glindaesque. Playing music that suits the mood I’m in also gets me to a good mental baseline to tackle the show ahead. When I put my wig on, it’s a transformative moment — I really feel like Glinda. She has become part of me from doing the show thus far, so it’s a quicker process. Once my bubble dress goes on I feel ready to start the show.

How do you balance the comedic and dramatic aspects of Glinda’s character? 

The gift of this role is that I get to explore so much! I balance this with the fundamental rule of sticking to the truth of her intentions — comedy is often the aftermath of Glinda’s genuine, and sometimes seemingly intense intent. The script is written so wonderfully that as long as I stay true to it, along with technical comedic timing, it balances very well for me. It’s so cathartic to have a function of a character to bring comedic relief but also emotional depth. 

What has been the most challenging aspect of playing Glinda?

As a performer, one of the most challenging parts of playing Glinda is the high demands of the role. Vocally, it requires a lot of stamina so accurate rest is required, which adds the challenge of a lot of sacrifice to outside routine. A role like this also requires a lot of heart and emotion and with that comes the challenge of managing the stress and self-doubt which is an ongoing journey. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of playing Glinda? 

The most rewarding aspect of Glinda would have to be the cathartic nature of the role itself. I really heal parts of myself whilst exploring the themes of the story and it helps me grow personally as well as professionally as an artist. It’s rewarding to get to dig into a well-written script and learn something whilst doing it. I feel Wicked teaches you something profound when watching it and it’s the same when telling the story too — that is special to me.

Wicked runs till 27 April at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. Get your tickets here.