Wicked Cast back on Stage

The cast of Wicked returned to the stage on Thursday night to deliver an emotional performance of the hit musical at the Regent Theatre - the first since the sudden passing of stage legend Rob Guest, who was playing The Wizard in the production.

Wicked co-producer John Frost addressed the audience before the curtain went up, explaining that it would be an extremely tough night for the cast and describing Guest as a "father figure".

The performance was dedicated to his memory, and at times throughout the night the emotional strain on many cast members was obvious. Both Lucy Durack and Amanda Harrison struggled to get through the poignant number 'For Good'.There was a solid standing ovation - though that's not rare at Wicked - and a particularly strong response for Rodney Dobson, who has the tough job of filling Guest's shoes as The Wizard.

Television cameras filmed the final moments of the show, as the media continues to follow the story extensively. National Nine News led with the story of Guest's death across the country, a sign of his tremendous reach across the general population.

Flowers adorned the Regent Theatre prior to the performance, with several arrangements left under photos of Guest as The Wizard, an emotional reminder of the role of a lifetime for a man who had achieved so much.

Guest died in the very early hours of Thursday morning, 24 hours after suffering a massive stroke at his Melbourne home. He was rushed to hospital in the minutes following his collapse, but his condition deteriorated quickly.

On Thursday night, theatre companies across the country dedicated performances in his honour.

"Rob Guest was one of Australian music theatre’s biggest stars, and the most easy-going of stars," Frost said. "He may have had top billing but at all times he came across to us – producers, fellow cast members and backstage crew – as an irrepressible, always cheerful optimist. An all round good bloke. All of us who knew him are shocked and deeply saddened."

Guest's funeral service is likely to be held early next week, while plans for a public memorial are also underway. It's likely to be held at the Regent Theatre later this month.

Aussietheatre.com