Three local children are whistling a happy tune, with the trio selected to be a part of the ensemble cast in the latest production of The King and I at the Sydney Opera House.
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Christian Savos, eight, from Cherrybrook, and Castle Hill siblings Skye and Ethan Thandanabath, nine and six respectively, are part of the 39-strong children's cast, performing alongside established actors Lisa McCune and Teddy Tahu Rhodes.
Skye auditioned for the musical after hearing about it from her dance school.
"They thought that it would suit me," she said.
Her brother Ethan, however, didn't intend to audition and only went along to support Skye.
"The director came out and said 'why isn't he auditioning?'," their Mum Marie said.
"I said he isn't auditioning and then the director said 'he is now'."
While this may be Skye and Ethan's first time on stage, it isn't Christian's first performance with Opera Australia — he was in their production of Madame Butterfly.
The children have been hard at work for many weeks in preparation in the lead-up to opening night, going through many intensive rehearsals.
"We've been doing it since the start of August," Christian said.
Three groups of children are used in the musical and Skye, Ethan and Christian (pictured below) perform two to three times a week.
For Ethan, learning all the songs that make up the show has been a real highlight.
"I like the singing," he said.
However, for Skye and Christian, wearing the elaborate costumes in the show is the standout moment for them.
"I have about eight costumes," Skye said.
"I have to do a quick change for some of them."
Despite performing alongside big-name actors, the children aren't daunted by the prospect.
"I haven't met Lisa McCune yet but I have met Teddy Tahu Rhodes; He hi-fived me," Christian said.
Skye said: "It feels like you're working alongside normal people.
"It is more fun working with famous people."
The King and I plays at the Sydney Opera House until November 1.
