 April 6-10 & 13-17, 2005Sponsored by
With music by Richard Rogers and a storyline based on the book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, the show is sponsored by Tidewater Builders and is best known for the original play starring a then virtually unknown actor, Yul Brynner, who went on to star in the movie version. Director Tim McGhee said the show that opened in New York in 1951 is set in the early 1860s in the kingdom of Siam (now Thailand). The story is about the struggles between tutor Anna Leonowene, played by Gretchen Smith of Conway in her first Theatre of the Republic lead role, and King Mongut of Siam, played by Mike Martinel of Myrtle Beach. Smith has appeared in many TOR productions including "Secret Garden" and "Ragtime." For Martinel, who was most recently featured in "Best of Broadway: Perfect Pairings," this is his first major role with TOR. The storyline brings the teacher and her son, Louis Leonowene, played by Anson Zwing of Myrtle Beach, to the Royal Palace in Bangkok to teach the many children of the King and his 10 wives. Zwing, who played in "Honk," is in his first major role with TOR. In the Palace, the tutor interacts with the evil High Priest, The Kralahome, played by Jack Jackowicz of Myrtle Beach last seen in "The Miracle Worker" and as Santa in TOR's holiday show. He does not like the western ways of the tutor and makes every attempt to undermine her. Of the 10 wives of the King, head wife is Lady Thiang, played by Natalie Miles of Conway who was last seen in "Best of Broadway: Perfect Pairings" and has done choreography for many shows, as well as for "The King and I." With 30 princes and princesses, the role of the primary prince who will inherit the throne, Chululongkorn, is played by Kaleb Allen, 10, of Conway in his first major role. Another cast member is Amellia Diemer of North Myrtle Beach playing the role of Tuptim, a young woman given as a gift to the King but who falls in love and runs away with Lun Tha, played by Chris Carr of North Myrtle Beach and last seen in "Jekyll and Hyde." This is a pivotal point in the show where the King and Anna battle over his desire to punish the young lovers. Then there is the Englishman who arrives at the Palace to determine whether rumors that the King is a barbarian are true. This role of Sir Edward Ramsey is played by Kelvin Smith of North Myrtle Beach who was featured in "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." Costuming by Sandy Flora of Conway is ornate and colorful and between that and hair and makeup by JP Perez, preparing for the show has proven to be one of the most difficult ever attempted at the theater, said McGhee, due to the large cast. Everyone has to wear body makeup to darken the skin tone and hair and makeup must reflect the color and culture of Siam. "It has been an experience," McGhee said. Musical direction by Diana Scroggins and Ellen Leftwich for the older musical that is a good family show will include well know songs such as "Shall We Dance," "Whistle A Happy Tune," "Hello Young Lovers," and "We Kiss in the Shadows." In Act II, a highlight of the production is the oriental-style ballet of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" performed by dancers from Myrtle Beach And Conway. The scenery, McGhee said, is kept simple and elegant with an abstract but royal Palace. McGhee designed the set and Smokey Jakey built it. Sound is by David Catton-Johnson and lighting by Brian Carter. For tickets call the "Stage Right" office at 488-0821. |
One of the most beautiful stories with the most beautiful music is opening April 6 on the stage of the Main Street Theatre in Conway. "The King and I," a story about the quarrels between a dictator and the widowed American English teacher who came to tutor his many children in English but ends up tutoring the King in the ways of democracy, is already known and loved by many. The story will be told with music and song by a cast of 46. Run dates and times are 8 p.m. April 6-9 and 13-16 and 3 p.m. April 10 and 17.|
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