New Zealand entertainer Jay Laga'aia will play the key role of the Wizard of Oz in musical Wicked when it opens in Auckland in September.
"To be able to come home with a show that is absolutely awe-inspiring is something that this prodigal son could only dream about," says Laga'aia.
He is not the first New Zealander to play the Wizard – Rob Guest originated the role when the show opened in Melbourne, and played it until his sudden death in 2008.
Laga'aia is best known for his diverse on-screen roles, which include two of the Star Wars prequels, Water Rats, Xena: Warrior Princess, Street Legal and Play School.
He is equally at home on stage, having played Mufasa in the Sydney production of The Lion King and Judas in the New Zealand production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1994.
Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz and tells the story behind the good and wicked witches of Oz before Dorothy dropped in.
It has been running on Broadway and throughout the world for the last decade, making it one of the most successful musicals ever.
3 News
source: newshub archive
