LIPA Dance lecturer and grads perform in Wicked

LIPA Dance lecturer Carl Parris, who performs alongside four LIPA Dance graduates in Wicked, says they knew on set that they were part of “something special.” 

Starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, musical fantasy Wicked is based on the stage musical of the same name which tells the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz.   

Graduates Myron Birch, Renae Hughes, Renako McDonald and Charlotte Wildrianne were, along with Carl, among a group of 30 core dancers who performed on eight numbers (some of which are to feature in the sequel, Wicked Part Two, due for release next year). 

Filming for the Oz section of the movie, Carl and the graduates performed with another 300 dancers for scenes set in Munchkin Land and Shiz University. Carl says there was a real buzz on set. “We were surrounded by the best of the best. Everyone involved was at the top of their game, Christopher Scott is probably the best commercial choreographer, costume designer Paul Tazewell worked on Hamilton and West Side Story. Everyone was at that level.  

“We knew it was going to be major, but when we were shown a cast trailer at the end of filming we were just blown away. It was insane.” 

Image: Carl in costume

Carl, whose credits include Game of Thrones, Muppets Most Wanted and Gulliver’s Travels, says he loves the challenge of working on film. “You don’t know when the camera is on you, whether it’s on all of you or just part of you – and you don’t get the chance to review your performance and ask for another take. You have to make sure you do everything to the maximum, every time.” 

Directed by Jon M Chu for Universal Pictures, filming was fun but intense. Myron Birch, who graduated in 2011 and has also appeared in Bridgerton, Matilda and Disenchanted, says his training at LIPA helped. “LIPA emphasised not just technical skill but also the importance of discipline, professionalism, and adaptability - all of which were invaluable during rehearsals and filming.   

“We were taught how to work effectively in collaborative environments, from being prepared and receptive to direction to maintaining a positive and respectful attitude on long, demanding days.”

Image: Myron in costume and at LIPA in 2010

Wicked was released on 22 November with critics describing it as a ‘fabulous spectacle’ and ‘this year’s must see musical’. For Myron working on the film brough back happy memories. “I’ve always loved Wicked. I vividly remember watching it for the first time as a teenager, and within the first five seconds of the opening, I was already in tears.  

“It was great to be able reconnect with my younger self and relive those incredible experiences.”   

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Top image: Renako McDonald, Renae Hughes, Carl Parris, Charlotte Wildrianne and Myron Birch