Kelli O'Hara Takes Brief Time Away from THE KING AND I; Standby Betsy Morgan in the Wings

There's a new Anna Leonowens taking over in THE KING AND I on Broadway this week - at least for a few performances.

Standby Betsy Morgan will play the lead role for Tony winner Kelli O'Hara beginning tonight, Thursday, September 3, according to the show's official website. O'Hara will return this Saturday, September 5. Her absence was previously scheduled.

As of now, O'Hara will also not perform at the October 17, December 1, and December 20 performances.

THE KING AND I also features Tony winner Ruthie Ann Miles (as Lady Thiang), Ashley Park (as Tuptim), Conrad Ricamora (as Lun Tha), Edward Baker-Duly (as Sir Edward Ramsey), Jon Viktor Corpuz (as Prince Chulalongkorn), Murphy Guyer (as Captain Orton), Jake Lucas (as Louis), Paul Nakauchi (as Kralahome), and Marc Oka (as Phra Alack).

One of Rodgers & Hammerstein's finest works, The King and I boasts a score which features such beloved classics as "Getting To Know You", "Hello Young Lovers", "Shall We Dance", "I Have Dreamed", and "Something Wonderful". Set in 1860s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher, whom the imperious King brings to Siam to tutor his many wives and children.

Morgan's has appeared in Bernarda Alba at LCT. On Broadway, she has been featured in LES MISERABLES (2014 revival), A Little Night Music (revival), The Little Mermaid, High Fidelity (all original casts). Off-Broadway: Found (Atlantic), The Fantasticks (2006 revival). Other theater: LES MISERABLES (25th anniversary tour), Giant (Signature), First Daughter Suite (Vineyard Arts Project), Mrs. Hughes (Yale), Prairie (NYSF). TV: "Flight of the Conchords."

Photo by Jennifer Broski

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