Previews Commence for AN OFFICER AND A GENTRELMAN Musical

Previews for the World Premiere season of An Officer and a Gentleman commence at the Sydney Lyric Theatre tomorrow night, May 8, ahead of the Gala Opening Night on Friday May 18.

Following five intense and creative weeks in the rehearsal room and then two weeks of technical rehearsals on stage, the cast and crew are looking forward to presenting their work to Sydney audiences.

Producers John Frost and Sharleen Cooper Cohen are thrilled with the results. John Frost said, “It’s always such a huge challenge creating a new musical. I love producing the classics like Annie and the recent hits from Broadway and the West End such as Legally Blonde, but there’s a great satisfaction in developing new work such as we’ve done here. Our combined Australian and US creative team have achieved a production I’m very proud of. The cast have worked tirelessly for the past seven weeks and can now reap the rewards. I think Sydney is going to love An Officer and A Gentleman.”

Sharleen Cooper Cohen agrees. “When I began pursuing this project back in 2000 I was sure this moving and timeless romance would make the perfect stage musical. And now that audiences are about to see An Officer and A Gentleman on stage, I know Sydney audiences will agree. This is a muscular, sexy show with themes of love, passion and glory that I’m sure everyone will relate to and enjoy.”

NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts George Souris said it is a major coup for Sydney to host the world premiere of An Officer and a Gentleman ahead of international musical theatre destinations like London and New York. “The NSW Government through our tourism and major events authority, Destination NSW, is working hard to ensure Sydney is confirmed again as the number one city for first run musicals in Australia,” Mr Souris said.

A hit across the ages, the 1982 film has become a phenomenon in cinema history, recently listed by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten love stories in cinema history. Based on the hugely successful Academy Award-winning film, this new production has been adapted for the stage by the original screen writer, Douglas Day Stewart and co-writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen, produced by Sharleen Cooper Cohen and John Frost, and directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical). Featuring the iconic hit song “Up Where We Belong” and a new score by hit song writer Ken Hirsch and Grammy nominee Robin Lerner this timeless tale of struggle, success, friendship and love could be the musical blockbuster of 2012.

Performances are Wed-Sat 8pm, Matinees Tues-Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sun 3pm at $70.90 - $135.90. Tickets from 1300 795 267 or ticketmaster.com.au. Groups 12+ (02) 8240 2290.

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