It may come as a surprise that there is a prime minister living in Tullamarine.
Marty Rhone has been a Broadway star for more than 60 years and chose his runway-side location because of regular commitments inter- state and overseas.
“I lived in Sydney most of my life, but in the late ’60s I lived in East St Kilda,” Rhone said. “It was the hub of the rock scene and a great place to be. So it’s a bit like coming home.”
The talented actor and singer has secured the role of the Kralahome (or prime minister) in Opera Australia’s forthcoming production of The King and I at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre, directed by John Frost.
A hit on Broadway in 1951, the original stage production of The King and I starred Gertrude Lawrence, who died during the season, and Yul Brynner, the “ultimate Hollywood superstar”, according to Rhone.
It was in London in 1979 that a young Marty Rhone secured his first role in this world-famous production, working alongside the indefatigable Brynner and performing in front of the likes of Robert De Niro, Dustin
Hoffman and royals, including Princess Grace of Monaco, King Hussein of Jordon and members of the British royal family.
Rhone had already cut his teeth back home. Just out of school and only 17, he was signed to a seven-year recording contract with Spin Records, which also boasted the Bee Gees as a client. His first professional gig was as a support act to the Rolling Stones.
National Service interrupted his career, but when he returned in 1972, Rhone became immersed in theatre including the original Sydney season of Godspell with John Waters.
Television series, including Certain Women, No 96 and Class of 75, followed and mega-hit Denim & Lace was released, giving Rhone his first No.1 and a gold record. This was followed by more top hits, A Mean Pair of Jeans and On the Loose Again, which Rhone performed at the World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo.
Returning to Melbourne and another production of the King and I is a dream come true. The Melbourne production gives this classic a 21st century makeover, which, Rhone believes, has enhanced the show and made it “much more interesting”. It stars four-time Gold Logie winner Lisa McCune, playing Anna Leonowens, opposite international stage and screen star Jason Scott Lee as the King.
The production opens at the Princess Theatre on June 10 and runs for three months. For details visit www.thekingandimusical.com.au
