Today we continue the story of our trip to Auckland, New Zealand, in connection with the award-winning musical “Wicked,” which debuts in Manila on Jan. 22.

 

Along with other Filipino journalists, we were given a few minutes to interview some of the cast members. We tried asking risque questions about their personal lives; they happily obliged.

 

Suzie [Mathers, who plays Glinda], are you in real life a flirt and a teaser?

 

No! (Giggling) Well, yes, but only a bit of a flirt.

 

Do you have a boyfriend?

 

No, unfortunately I don’t have the time to be involved with a boyfriend, with the type of schedule we have, traveling in different parts of the world.

 

Did you ever lose your voice with all the talking and singing you do in every show?

 

I’ve done over 400 shows; on each show, the moment the curtain goes up, so does my adrenaline.

 

What’s your secret [to not losing your voice]?

 

I don’t talk for at least six hours. I don’t drink ice-cold water, and I try to get as much rest as I can.

 

My doctor told me the same thing, only he added, “And don’t drink alcohol or go to clubs where you strain your voice while talking with your friends.” To which I answered him, “Thank you, I’d rather be dead.”

 

Suzie and moi laughed out loud.

 

When did you find out you wanted to be an actress?

 

Ever since I was a child I loved to sing. After seeing a musical on Broadway, right there and then I told my mom, “This is what I want to be.”

 

Maggie [Kirkpatrick, who plays Madame Morrible], what part of the show are you not so fond of?

 

Oh, I’d say at the start when I make my entrance and introduce myself to the new students. I feel stiff doing that part.

 

But the moment you entered the stage and spoke with dignity, though aloof and stern, I fell in love with you. You had me completely mesmerized throughout the show!

 

(Maggie gives moi a big hug.)

 

What do you consider your best performance [among all shows you’ve done]?

 

I loved doing “Fiddler on the Roof.” It was a thrill and a great experience.

 

Did you ever consider writing a book?

 

Yes, but it will be mostly about my life, half of which is my work as a stage actress; and bits of pieces of my love life, with lots of fiction in it. It should be fun! (Laughs)

 

Steve [Danielsen, who plays Fiyero], I bet your life has been one exciting ball on a roll.

 

(Laughs) Actually, you’re right, it’s been exciting with the many different roles I’ve played on television and the stage. I had to train extensively in voice with Tim Smith. I’ve just also completed the Australian tour of “Legally Blonde the Musical.”

 

And how’s your love and party life?

 

I do party when time permits, but I never stay too long. And my love life, well, let’s keep it as, okay, nothing really complicated.

 

The twist in the ending of “Wicked” surprised me; the change in mood and expression of your face said a thousand words.

 

(Laughs) I’m glad you liked it. I wish the audience will feel the same.

 

Jay [Laga’aia, who plays The Wizard], your voice blew everyone off their seats when you said your first lines.

 

Maybe it’s due to my affiliation with kids. I intermingle with them a lot during my time off-stage. Maybe that’s why the Queensland government named me as the ambassador for Queensland Kindergartens; and this year I was named ambassador for a “Let’s Read” campaign.

 

And how’s your love life?

 

I have eight wonderful kids, so that should answer your question. (Laughs)

 

Emily [Cascarino, who plays Nessarose, the crippled sister of Elphaba], and Edward [Grey who portrays Boq, her love interest], are you both lovers in real life?

 

Emily: Oh, no… But we’ve become great friends; we’re buddy-buddies in “Wicked” where we first met.

 

Edward: We hang out with some of the cast and crew members, whenever we can.

 

Divine white wine

 

The mayor of Auckland, Len Brown, said, “It’s a great privilege to have the Australasian launch of the 10th anniversary season of ‘Wicked,’ the world’s No. 1 Broadway show, here…”

 

It was raining on the night of the interviews, but we had a great dinner at a steakhouse next our hotel. The chilled New Zealand white wine, Sky Valley Sauvignon Blanc, was divine.

 

The next day, our group went on a tour of a sheep-shaving factory and a weekend market, followed by a six-hour drive to see Matamata, a rural town where “The Lord of the Rings” was filmed. The wind was cold and it was raining again; we couldn’t wait to run back to the bus.

 

For ‘Yolanda’ survivors

 

The flight back from Melbourne to Manila was fun and relaxed with the impeccable service of PAL’s crew, especially F/S Joe An Reunilla, my Ilonggo palangga, and F/A Carolyn Ramos vda. de Pineda, a classmate of my dear Inquirer colleague Pam Pastor, would you believe, as well as F/P Ruby del Rosario and F/A Nanette Silverio.

 

The producers have announced that the Manila run of “Wicked” will have a benefit show on Jan. 31, 1:30 p.m., and an auction after curtain call, with proceeds going to survivors of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”

 

Call 8919999. Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph, www.facebook.com/WickedManila, www.facebook.com/ConcertusManila. Follow on Twitter @Wicked_Manila and @ConcertusManila.