Sydney will host the World Premiere of AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN at the Lyric Theatre, The Star (formerly Star City) from 20 May 2012.

A hit across the ages, the Academy Award-winning 1982 film starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger has become a phenomenon in cinema history, recently listed by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten love stories in cinema history. Working class heroes Zack Mayo and Paula Pokrifki overcome their upbringing and personal weaknesses to accept life and find love. A rich and satisfying story that has endured for generations, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN is a modern day love story.

This new production has been adapted for the stage by the original screen writer, Douglas Day Stewart and co-writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen. It will be directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert).

The talented cast that will bring this timeless story to life includes Ben Mingay (Jersey Boys) as Zack Mayo, Amanda Harrison (Wicked) as Paula Pokrifki, Kate Kendall (Stingers) as Lynette Pomeroy and Alex Rathgeber (The Phantom of the Opera London) as Sid Worley.

Featuring the iconic hit song “Up Where We Belong” and a new score by Grammy nominees Kenny Hirsch and Robin Lerner, this timeless tale of struggle, success, friendship and love promises to be the musical blockbuster of 2012. Don’t miss AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN.