Amanda Harrison will return

Amanda Harrison will return to the blockbuster musicalWicked, despite rumours suggesting her tenure as Elphaba had come to a conclusion.

Speculation is immense amongst the Wicked cast and crew, as well as the theatre industry, about Harrison’s future in the show.

She remains billed as the show’s star but has appeared in only a few performances since the production opened at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in September.

Harrison has also been nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award for her portrayal as Elphaba, even though Jemma Rix has performed the role more times during the Sydney season.

Rix and Pippa Grandison – who ironically was rumoured as a possible Elphaba before the official cast was announced – are currently sharing the role.

A publicist for Wicked today said that despite rumours, Harrison would be back.

“Amanda Harrison has taken a break from the role of Elphaba for a few months, and will be back in 2010 on a date yet to be set,” the publicist said.

There has never been an official reason given for Harrison’s departure, though it is understood to be health related.