Sydney will host the World Premiere of An Officer and a Gentleman at the Lyric Theatre.

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 obstacles to find love.

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, Love Never Dies).

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.