Dean John-Wilson (Photo: Helen Maybanks)

The prince of thieves is joining The King & I

By Carly-Ann Clements First Published 16 March 2018, Last Updated 27 April 2018

The prince of thieves is headed to another kingdom as Dean John-Wilson is joining the cast of The King And I.

The actor, who originated the title role in the West End production of Disney’s Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre, will play the young-and-in-love Lun Tha. Starring alongside Dean is former Les Misérables actress Na-Young Jeon, who will take on the role of Lun Tha’s star-crossed lover, Tuptim.

The pair join multi-Tony Award-winner Kelli O’Hara and Tony and Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe in this much-anticipated London Palladium production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical.

Ken Watanabe and Kelli O’Hara in The King And I

It was also announced that the The King And I run at the London Palladium has been extended for a final three weeks.  The final performance will now take place on Saturday 29 September and it will be the very last opportunity to see the show in the West End.

Set in 1860s Bangkok, The King And I follows the unconventional and tempestuous relationship the King of Siam develops with Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher the imperious King brings to Siam to tutor his many wives and children.

Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher will be directing fresh from his work on The Lincoln Center Theater’s world premiere of J.T. Rogers’ smash hit play Oslo. He is joined by the celebrated creative team behind the award-winning production of South Pacific to bring this majestic production to life.

Often cited as one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, The King And I won four Tony Awards during its 2015 Broadway run. It boasts a score featuring classics like Getting To Know You, Shall We Dance, I Have Dreamed, and Something Wonderful.

The King And I opens on 21 June, with press night on 3 July. Don’t miss your opportunity to see a star-studded cast perform one of theatre’s most beloved musicals.

Book The King And I tickets, now.

Tagged:
casting dean john-wilson Na-Young Jeon The King & I

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