Cast announced for Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert
An all star cast has been announced to feature in a new Rodgers & Hammerstein concert.
Featuring a 40-piece orchestra, Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert will be presented on 12 December 2023 at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Names on the star starred cast are confirmed to include Emmy, two-time GRAMMY and six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, Olivier Award nominee Julian Ovenden, Olivier Award nominee Marisha Wallace, and two-time Tony, two-time Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Patrick Wilson.
They’re joined by television, film and stage actor Daniel Dae Kim, Tony Award, GRAMMY and Critics Choice Award nominee Ashley Park and Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit.
Also headlining are recent R&H leading lady Joanna Ampil (Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific) and four-time Olivier Award winner Maria Friedman. Anna-Jane Casey, Lily Kerhoas and Jordan Shaw complete the company.
Previously announced headliners include two-time Olivier Award® winner Michael Ball; television, film and stage actor Daniel Dae Kim; Emmy®, two-time GRAMMY® and six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald; Olivier Award® nominee Julian Ovenden; West End sensation Lucy St. Louis; Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit; Olivier Award nominee Marisha Wallace; and two-time Tony, two-time Golden Globe® and Emmy Award nominee Patrick Wilson.
They all have deep connections to R&H. Highlights include: McDonald won her first Tony Award for her portrayal of Carrie Pipperidge in the 1994 Broadway revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel while Ovenden received a 2023 Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical for his Emile de Becque in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific.
Wallace’s performance of Ado Annie in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! at the Young Vic garnered her a 2023 Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical; and Wilson received a Tony Award nomination for leading the 2002 Broadway revival of Oklahoma! as Curly.
Both Kim and Park starred, respectively, as the King of Siam and Tuptim in the most recent Broadway revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I at Lincoln Center Theater
Directed and staged by Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli, the celebration of the historic partnership of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II will feature the Rodgers & Hammerstein Concert Orchestra, conducted by Simon Lee, along with a West End chamber choir, dance ensemble and surprise guest appearances. Artist lineup subject to change.
