In summer 2009, Carmen Cusack, from the 1st National tour and Chicago companies of Wicked, made her Australian debut as the temporary standby for Elphaba, as Jemma Rix (regular standby) was playing the role full time due to Amanda Harrison's (Elphaba) extended leave. Harrison later returned to the role after a two month absence. Also in 2009, Jennifer DiNoia (then Standby for Elphaba on Broadway; Current lead in London) covered the role of the Elphaba Standby in the Sydney production of Wicked, standing-by for Jemma Rix who had once again assumed the lead role temporarily for Amanda Harrison.