The ”Mary Poppins” actress will return to the production she starred in 60 years ago
The original Eliza Doolittle will be directing a new production of the show that launched her career, which is set to open next August at the Sydney Opera House.
The production will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the show, which originally opened on Broadway at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in 1956. Dame Julie starred alongside Rex Harrison, she is now planning to head over to Australia later this year to cast the show herself.
In a statement, she said "I look forward to coming to Sydney this November to cast the production and begin the process of bringing this great musical to life once again."
In the years following her appearance in the original Broadway production, Andrews went on to star in The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and soon became a national treasure.
She will be part of a team including Tony-award winning choreographer Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific) and associates of the musical's original designers, Cecil Beaton and Oliver Smith.
Producer John Frost said "To think that Broadway's original Eliza Doolittle will direct our new production at the Sydney Opera House 60 years later will, I'm sure, excite both Australian and international audiences."