Gold Coast musical theatre star Simon Gallaher to star in blockbuster musical Wicked

HOMEGROWN musical theatre star Simon Gallaher is off to be The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the blockbuster Broadway musical Wicked.

Simon Gallaher, who is the new Wizard in John Frost's production of WICKED opening in Brisbane soon

HOMEGROWN musical theatre star Simon Gallaher is off to be The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the Brisbane and Perth seasons of blockbuster Broadway musical Wicked.

Tamborine Mountain resident Gallaher will take over the role previously filled by Bert Newton and currently played by Reg Livermore in Australian producer John Frost’s 10th anniversary tour of the award-winning stage hit.

“These are great gigs to get,” Mr Gallaher said yesterday.

“The comic roles are much easier than having to slash your wrists every night in Les Miserables,” he said, laughing.

“With the character parts — in a women’s fat suit for Hairspray and then being in Spamalot — I’ve been able to reinvent myself in middle age. I’ve drifted from juvenile lead to character actor.”

Tamborine Mountain resident Gallaher will take over the role previously filled by Bert Newton in the award-winning production of Wicked.

Mr Gallaher said he was looking forward to bringing his own magical touch to his character.

“The Wizard is more dimensional in Wicked than he is in The Wizard of Oz film,” he said.

“I have two songs and a few scenes along the way but you don’t come in until the end of the first half.

“Reg Livermore told me he’s been doing a hell of a lot of crosswords while he’s waiting.”

Mr Frost said Gallaher would make a wonderful Wizard.

“I have been hoping to work with Simon for many years and I’m thrilled that he has accepted our invitation,” he said.

Wicked plays the Lyric Theatre at QPAC, in Brisbane, from February 12.

Originally published as Gold Coast musical theatre star Simon Gallaher to star in blockbuster musical Wicked