Kevin Gray has been announced to replace Lou Diamond Phillips in Broadway's The King & I. Beginning June 17, Gray will play opposite the Anna of Faith Prince, who replaced Donna Murphy in the Tony-winning revival.

Gray, who was the fifth Broadway Phantom (in Phantom Of The Opera) and played the role in the Chicago company, also starred in the musical Chu-Chem and as the Engineer in the Toronto and Bangkok companies of Miss Saigon. Gray won a Drama-Logue Award for his work in the Los Angeles Saigon and also starred as Gaylord Ravenal in the Chicago and L.A. Productions of Show Boat.

Yul Brynner made the role of the King legendary on stage and screen. Originated by Gertrude Lawrence in 1951, the role of the English schoolteacher in 1860s Siam calls on Anna to sing "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Getting To Know You," "Hello Young Lovers" "Shall We Dance," and other Rodgers and Hammerstein perennials. In the current revival, Tony winner Prince (Guys & Dolls) took over for Donna Murphy, March 22.

The New York Post had reported that Dean Cain was being considered for the role, but the crown is going to Gray instead.

For tickets ($25-$75) and information on The King And I at the Neil Simon Theatre, call (212) 307-4100.