Becoming Eliza at Playhouse, Sydney Opera House

Australian-grown international star and soprano Anna OByrne will reveal the story of working with Dame Julie Andrews and perform Andrews iconic songs in the world premiere of Becoming Eliza, at the Sydney Opera House from 9 12 June 2022. In this new Australian concert evening, audiences will be transported to the set of Opera Australias 60th anniversary production of My Fair Lady in 2016, where Dame Julie Andrews directed OByrne in her Helpmann-award winning portrayal of Eliza Doolittle. Anna OByrne reveals an intimate story about overcoming her fears and stepping into an icons shoes in this heartfelt celebration of Eliza Doolittles enduring legacy. It leaps to life with songs from Julie Andrews extensive repertoire including Wouldnt It Be Loverly and My Favourite Things, spanning Mary Poppins to The Sound of Music and Camelot. Anna OByrne says, "Being directed by Dame Julie Andrews in the iconic role she made famous was an experience beyond anything I could have dreamed. Julie showed me such warmth, wisdom, wit, and above all, generosity of spirit. It is a little of this spirit which I hope to share with the audiences of Becoming Eliza." Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance, Ebony Bott, says: Becoming Eliza reveals an honest and personal story alongside captivating musical performances that will leave you feeling uplifted. Presented at a time when the original storys themes of gender, class and overcoming adversity still resonate as powerfully as they did in 1956, Becoming Eliza fixes the spotlight firmly on the powerful stories of women. This generations classic leading lady, OByrne is best known for her role as Christine Daa in Andrew Lloyd Webbers The Phantom of the Opera, and the original Australian production of its sequel Love Never Dies, for which she was nominated for a Green Room Award, as well as the English National Operas Sweeney Todd, and Andrew Lloyd Webbers The Woman in White. Becoming Eliza is produced by Enda Markey and with musical direction by Guy Simpson and direction by Sharon Millerchip, who says: Anna OByrnes beautifully crafted script, had me turning the pages eagerly. With humour and candour Anna tells of her intriguing relationship with Julie Andrews and the challenges of inhibiting her own Eliza Doolittle. Add to this Annas glorious soprano and Im sure the audience will be spellbound. I cant wait.