Monkey-King to 'photobomb' Australia's Year of Sheep

With preparations for Chinese New Year celebrations now in full swing around Australia - and Sydney once again - providing most of the 'fireworks,' Sydney's iconic Opera House on Wednesday revealed an ancient Chinese fable is making a scene-stealing appearance in the Year of the Sheep.

Meanwhile, the annual Twilight Parade and the spectacular Dragon Races appear to be playing second fiddle to the prospect of giant-size Lanterns of the Terra-cotta Warriors (created by Chinese artist Xia Nan) flooding the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

For the first time in Australia this exhibition of the Lanterns of the Terra-cotta Warriors - featuring 90 Chinese warriors standing well over two meters in height, will light up Sydney's Harbor, the center of CNY 2015 celebrations.

But the Year of the Sheep will continue to transfix Sydney- siders when Monkey-King's Journey to the West, a fusion of acrobatics, song, puppetry and martial arts will enjoy a two week run at the Opera House from April 4-19, an announcement that that will further satiate Sydney's growing appetite for Chinese classical mythology.

Chinese New Year celebrations take place across the country in February, with Sydney festivities kicking off on Feb. 13.

As old as the Middle Kingdom itself, The storied Monkey-King is expelled from heaven and charged with protecting the monk Tripitaka in the search for hidden scriptures that promise peace for China.

Joining Tripitaka and Monkey-King, are stalwart companions Pigsy and Sandy as they cross the Himalayas on a journey filled with action, heart and some essential Confucian wisdom.

Sydney Opera House Presents Director of Programming, Jonathan Bielski, believes this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for followers of the Monkey legend.

"Anyone who loved Monkey Magic will delight in learning the origins of this ancient fable and seeing their favorite characters brought to life with meaning as well as a good dose of humor."

Australians will be stunned to learn that Journey to the West is co-directed by Bell Shakespeare's John Bell - a household name whose interpretations of Shakespeare have single-handedly opened the power of theater to literally millions of Australians.

Celebrated playwright Donna Abela and composer Peter Kennardhave have adapted the gripping stories from the classic 16th century Chinese texts Journey to the West into a vivid, adventure story packed with the values of loyalty, friendship and courage for the stage.

The legend of Monkey, as is commonly known in Western cultures, has retained its relevance through centuries of retelling with themes that resonate today. Aljin Abella (La Cage aux Folles) is the iconic Monkey and Darren Gilshenan (The Moodys) plays the insatiable - but lovable - Pigsy.

This cult hero will come to life with giant puppets filling the Opera House, providing Australian adults and kids alike with a glimpse into the magical world of Monkey and can hint at why this revered and adored story has spoken and endured through generations of Chinese families.

Sydney has indeed turned 'red' already with the city streets this week brimming alive the sights, smells and tastes of one of the world's biggest Lunar New Year celebrations.

Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the festival, which features more than 80 family friendly events, is expected to attract more than 600,000 visitors from Sydney, interstate and overseas.

"Huge crowds will celebrate Chinese New Year in Sydney, with over 75 events on the festival agenda to welcome the Year of the Sheep."