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The musical Wicked and Sydney Theater Company's production of the epic The War of the Roses swept the ninth Helpmann Awards at the Sydney Opera House on Monday, according to a report in Variety. Each production collected six awards a piece including best musical and best play, respectively.

Other awards for Wicked went to male supporting actor Rob Guest, who died during the show's run in Melbourne, and to members of the Broadway creative team: scenic designer Eugene Lee, costume designer Susan Hilferty, and choreographer Wayne Cilento. Director Lisa Leguillou (who was assistant director of the Broadway incarnation) also received a Helpmann Award.

War of the Roses collected an award for director Benedict Andrews as well as acting awards for lead actress Marta Dusseldorp and supporting actor Ewen Leslie. Design trophies went to lighting designer Nick Schlieper and sound designer Max Lyandvert.

Other award winners included Ben Winspear, who won actor in a play for Company B's Baghdad Wedding, while ex-Sydney Theatre Company head Robyn Nevin won an award for her work in Women of Troy, beating out Cate Blanchett in War of the Roses.

For further information, visit www.helpmannawards.com.au.