Reg Livermore Plays 'The Wizard' in WICKED in Melbourne, Beg. Tonight

Leading Australian theatre producer John Frost is 'thrillified' to announce that the role of the Wizard in the 2014 Melbourne and Sydney seasons of the Broadway musical is Australian musical theatre icon Reg Livermore.

Reg Livermore AO has been entertaining Australian audiences for almost 60 years, becoming one of this country's leading and most respected performers. During the late 1960's and early 1970's he gave standout performances in Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, then in 1974 he was rewarded with one of musical's greatest roles, Dr Frank'n'Furter in the original Australian Production of The Rocky Horror Show, which led to the first in a series of his landmark one-man shows which cemented Reg's name in Australian theatrical history. Most recently Reg has starred in Mel Brooks musical The Producers and Opera Australia's production of My Fair Lady.

John Frost said "I am thrilled that Reg will be starring in the role of the Wizard, it is a complex and challenging role that has lured him back to the musical theatre stage. Reg will be a wonderful Wizard and we look forward to seeing him bring his world-class award winning style to the stage."

This 10th Anniversary tour of "Broadway's biggest blockbuster" (The New York Times) also stars Lucy Durack as Glinda and Jemma Rix as Elphaba, both reprising the roles which shot them to stardom during the original Australian tour. Joining the Wicked Company in his first musical theatre leading role is Steve Danielsen as Fiyero, while doyenne of stage and screen, Maggie Kirkpatrick returns as Madame Morrible. The role of Nessarose is played by newcomer Emily Cascarino, while Edward Grey plays Boq.

WICKED returns to the Regent Theatre, Melbourne tonight, May 7 for a strictly limited season prior to touring to Sydney and Brisbane.

MELBOURNE SEASON

Venue Regent Theatre, Melbourne

Previews TONIGHT, 7-9 May, 2014, Season From 10 May, 2014

Performance Times Wed-Sat 8.00pm, Wed 1.00pm, Sat 2.00pm, Sun 1.00pm and 6.30pm

SYDNEY SEASON

Venue Capitol Theatre, Sydney, Season from 20 September, 2014