The cast of Broadway’s The King and I will soon be getting to know an all new Anna Leonowens. Kelli O’Hara is leaving the hit revival this April and Marin Mazzie will be filling her shoes soon after. Mazzie is known for her roles in Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate and Stephen Sondheim's Passion, Mazzie has been absent from the stage recently while fighting breast cancer. Thankfully Mazzie is now in remission and ready to make her return to the Great White Way.
Recently Mazzie spoke with Playbill.com about her decision to join the cast of The King and I:
"The decision to join King and I was very easy. They asked, and I said yes. I had taken my mom to see the show in December as I had not yet been able to see it, and Kelli is a friend so I was anxious to see her in her Tony Award-winning role. I had no inkling that Kelli was leaving or that I was being discussed to replace her. I absolutely loved the show. I was not only blown away by Bart’s gorgeous production and the extraordinary performances, but the story hit me in a new way and I was so deeply moved by it. When my agent called to ask if I would be interested, I didn’t even have to think about it and was just so excited at the prospect of being a part of this stunning show."
Mazzie also opened up about returning to the stage after announcing that she was suffering from breast cancer last year:
"I am thrilled to be getting back onstage to tell this beautiful story. I am feeling strong, blessed and grateful. I am delighted to be working with Daniel Dae Kim and the entire company and an added bonus is I get to wear some exquisite clothes (which is something I always enjoy)!"
Marin Mazzie will take over the role of Anna Leonowens on May 3 with Daniel Dae Kim joining the cast as The King of Siam. Kelli O'hara makes her last appearance on April 17. Analisa Leaming will play the role inbetween cast changes.
