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Get ready, Newcastle! One of Australia’s most celebrated leading ladies of musical theatre, Jemma Rix, is set to dazzle audiences in SUPERSTARS: Musical Theatre’s Greatest Heroes & Villains In Concert at the Civic Theatre in March 2026. With a career spanning decades, Jemma has become synonymous with powerhouse roles, show-stopping vocals, and unforgettable stage presence.
Jemma is perhaps best known for her iconic performances as Elsa in Disney’s Frozen and Elphaba in Wicked. Over eight years touring Wicked across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, she wowed crowds with her rendition of “Defying Gravity,” often flying high above the stage, earning a Helpmann Award nomination and a Theatre People Pro Choice Award. Her connection with the audience is undeniable – she continues to make special guest appearances as Elphaba in the current production, reminding fans why she is a true stage legend.
Beyond these iconic roles, Jemma’s career highlights include playing Lucy Harris in Jekyll & Hyde in Concert opposite Anthony Warlow, Molly Jensen in Ghost: The Musical, Teen Angel in Grease, and the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz – for which she received another Helpmann Award nomination. She also toured as the alternate Eva Peron in Opera Australia and Gordon Frost’s production of Evita, further cementing her status as one of the country’s most versatile and dynamic performers.
Her talents aren’t confined to theatre. Jemma has performed at national events such as the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open, and Carols by Candlelight, as well as for special occasions like the Australian Olympic Team Presentation Night. A personal highlight was performing for His Holiness, The Dalai Lama, for his 80th birthday – a testament to her artistry being appreciated on the grandest stages.
In concert, she has shared the stage with some of Australia’s finest leading ladies of musical theatre, performing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the West Australian Orchestra, and John Foreman’s Australian Pops Orchestra. She has also released solo albums, including Gravity (2017) and Witches with the Opera Australia Orchestra, both available on iTunes and Spotify.
So, what drew Jemma to SUPERSTARS: Musical Theatre’s Greatest Heroes & Villains In Concert? She says, “I’m really looking forward to singing with Chloe Zuel and Ben Mingay. I’ve watched and admired them as an audience member, so I can’t wait to work with them personally. And I’ve heard so many people say over the years that the Civic Theatre is a stunning venue – I can’t wait to perform in such a beautiful space.”
Fans of musical theatre know Jemma draws inspiration from the very best. She shares, “I’m obsessed with Idina Menzel. She paved the way for me with her unique pop musical theatre style when I was first coming up. Getting to watch her perform live in Australia only solidified my obsession! Cynthia Erivo is also my hero; I’ve listened to The Color Purple Broadway cast album over 1,000 times.”
But it’s not just heroes that captivate Jemma. Villains hold a special place in her heart as an actor: “Before I started rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz, I watched Hannah Waddingham’s version of Red Shoes Blues and was completely captivated with how she visually transformed into the Wicked Witch of the West. The role is so extreme, and she goes there, which can be so freeing for an actor.” She also points to the unforgettable transformation of Anthony Warlow in Jekyll & Hyde as a standout villain moment she cherishes.
And what about the songs that make Jemma sing her heart out? “It changes depending on my mood, but at the moment it’s ‘What Baking Can Do’ from Waitress,” she reveals, a reminder of her playful and passionate approach to musical theatre.
Audiences can expect a thrilling night out with SUPERSTARS: Musical Theatre’s Greatest Heroes & Villains In Concert. “You’ll get to hear the lighter and more empowered side from the heroes, plus the darker and mysterious side from the villains. All bases will be covered for a fantastic night at the theatre,” says Jemma.
With her extraordinary talent, incredible stage presence, and a career that has thrilled audiences around the world, Jemma Rix is not just performing – she’s creating moments that audiences will never forget. Don’t miss your chance to see her light up the Civic Theatre stage in March 2026.