Last night was opening night of WICKED here at Hammons Hall! We got to hear from with the “Good Witch” about life on the North American tour of WICKED. Check out the interview with Zoe Jensen below:

WICKED is such an iconic musical. What was your first connection to it (seeing the tour years ago, cast recording, first show you saw on Broadway, etc.)?

I remember hearing the soundtrack the first time when I was at a sleepover in 6th grade. I can remember the exact moment- we were in my friend’s bathroom playing with makeup, and I heard the end part of “What Is This Feeling” where everyone is singing their different parts and I remember being so enthralled and asking, “what IS that?”. I got the soundtrack soon after, and listened to it nonstop and memorized it. My parents then took me for my birthday to see the show in Chicago. I was completely mesmerized. I left the theater knowing I had to be in the arts when I grew up.

What excites you most about performing in WICKED every night?

The story is so exciting, and it takes so many twists and turns. It’s really fun to go on that journey every night, and I try to pretend like it’s the first time I’m experiencing the journey every night. It’s fun to hear the audience’s different reaction

s, because it really is different every night. It depends on so many things, like where we are in the country, or what’s the predominant age group in the audience- what parts are they going to find funny? What are they going to respond to tonight?

What’s the most challenging part of performing in WICKED?

I think at first glance, an audience member might think that the vocals are the toughest part of the show. While they are definitely challenging, and it is a marathon, I’d say the most challenging part is the acting and storytelling. The story is so epic, and Glinda reaches her highest highs and lowest lows in two and a half hours. Telling this story is a fine balance of taking your time with both deep and funny moments, but not taking too much time that you lose the pace of the show. It requires full focus, it requires you to really connect with your teammates onstage and live presently.

Touring means lots of travel. What’s your go-to way to make each new city feel like home?

When we come to a city, we work with some local crew. I love to ask my dressers what their favorite restaurants are, or what they love to do. It’s fun to pretend you live in the city as the locals do for the short time you’re there. I also love a trinket- if there’s a cute gift shop or boutique in the city, you’ll find me there. I collect stickers at every city we visit.

Do you have any backstage rituals or pre-show routines that help you get ready for the show?

I just love getting to connect with as many people as possible. When working on such a giant, important show like Wicked, It helps me ground myself, relieve some pressure, and reminds me how much of a team effort the show is. The half hour before showtime is a fun time for me, because my hair supervisor Andrea and I have the best time laughing and telling stories while she preps my hair and puts my wig on me. Our conductor Faith will come check in and always has the best restaurant recommendations. I love the few minutes before a show, because I get to say hi to some of the cast and connect. I have a handshake with our head carpenter Matt before I ascend in my bubble. I get to wave at the guys in the flys while I wait to come down in my bubble as the show starts. Just little connections that make me feel supported, connected and ready to do the show with everyone!

If you could swap roles with another character in WICKED for one night, who would it be and why?

Elphaba, duh! What an incredible journey she goes on. She gets to sing some pretty epic songs, too.

What’s one small detail in the show that audiences might not notice, but you love?

The costumes are so intricate. You could watch the show a hundred times and see something different every time, whether it’s the textures of the fabric, the “Ozian” asymmetrical style, or the little nods to clocks and gears on the ensemble’s costumes.

If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?

I think I would pursue journalism!

If you could give advice to young performers dreaming of being on a Broadway national tour, what would you tell them?

Just keep feeding your creativity. That can be done in many ways- you could take voice lessons, do plays at your school, or even get together with a group of friends and create something together. There’s no set path and no supplies needed- just your creativity and your passion. Keep following what you’re passionate about, and it will set you on the right path.

What is your dream role?

Glinda has always been my dream role, so now? Honestly? I just really love being in shows, and it is such a privilege to get to do what I love as a job- that’s the ultimate dream role.

Tickets to WICKED are on sale now online at HammonsHall.com, by phone at 417-836-7678 or at the Hammons Hall box office at 525 S John Q. Hammons Parkway. The show is recommended for audiences ages 8+. Performances are made possible through generous support from Great Southern Bank.

Ticket buyers are reminded that for Juanita K. Hammons Hall productions, HammonsHall.com is the only official retail ticket outlet and the only way to guarantee that you are paying face value for legitimate tickets for all performances at Hammons Hall. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should also be aware that Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Missouri State TIX, and/or Celebrity Attractions are unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and are unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.