Acclaimed musical The King and I is coming to Brisbane.

The production, first performed in Australia in 1991, is coming to the Lyric Theatre next year.

Ilana Morgan reports.

TRANSCRIPT

“The King and I” tells the much loved story of a British woman who becomes governess for the children of the King of Siam.

Opera Australia’s version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic will come to Brisbane next year.

John Frost, Producer: “This is a totally sumptuous and magnificent event and serious millions of dollars are being spent on it to recreate the production from 1991.”

The cast boasts some of Australia’s favourite stars.

The part of Anna, originally played by Gertrude Lawrence in 1951 will now be played by Australian actress and four-time Gold Logie winner Lisa McCune.

She says this is a pivotal role in her acting career.

Lisa McCune, “Anna Leonowens”: “The one role that I wanted to cover, on my bucket list if you like, was playing Anna and I think the stars aligned and fortunately I was in the right place at the right time not doing anything else.”

McClune says this is probably the last lead role she will do.

The “king” will be played be New Zealand opera singer Teddy Tahu Rhodes.

Teddy Tahu Rhodes, “The King”: “The challenge for me is going to be able to bring the story and the character out through the words rather than having the music do it.”

The show opens at the Lyric Theatre on April 15.

Ilana Morgan, QUT News.