Bartlett theater's 'The King and I'
A funny thing, life; One day you're just another working stiff in Rockford and the next, you're King of Siam.
At least that's the case with Matt Hallstein, who'll be holding court on stage this weekend and next in the Bartlett Park District Family Theatre's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's lavish musical "The King and I."
The first curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Friday and from the moment he enters, it should be clear that Hallstein is not playing your father's Siamese king.
"I'm not gonna do the Yul Brynner thing," the actor said, running a hand through his thick hair. "I'll probably just grease it back a bit."
That's fine with director Barry Norton, who says "We chose 'The King and I' because it's a classic," while further stressing that he didn't want "another reproduction of the Yul Brynner-Deborah Kerr movie."
"I would hope the audience sees that we've tried to give them something new and refreshing," Norton added.
But fans of this long-cherished tale, originally adapted from Margaret Langdon's novel "Anna and the King of Siam," needn't worry -- East still meets West when a spoiled, domineering royal sovereign imports a young widowed English schoolteacher to serve as governess for his 27 children and tutor his 18 wives.
Initial culture clash gives way to eventual cultural understanding and all to the tune of some of Rodgers and Hammerstein's greatest hits, including: "Hello, Young Lovers," "Getting to Know You," "I Have Dreamed" and "Shall We Dance?"
While the vocal demands of "Getting to Know You" posed no threat to Carrie Dabelow, the Palatine-based actress playing Anna admitted with a laugh that "getting through doors has been a problem," indicating the large, multi-hooped dresses her character wears throughout the show.
Nevertheless, Dabelow, who teaches sixth- and eighth-grade drama at Franklin School in Wheaton, jumped at the chance to work with a large cast of new faces (ranging in age from 5 years old to mind-your-own-business) and play a role she's coveted since her own school days.
"My favorite number? I grew up listening to Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, so I would honestly have to say all of them," Dabelow said.
"But if forced to choose, I guess I'd have to say 'Shall We Dance,' because it's not often you get to be in a beautiful ball gown and whisked around the floor by a king!"
In an effort to keep its audience members informed with regard to program content, the Bartlett Park District Family Theatre company has rated this production "E-for everyone."
If you go
What: Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I," presented by the Bartlett Park District Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18-20
Where: The Oak Room Stage in the Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett
Tickets: In advance, $7 for ages 13 and younger; $9 for senior citizens, students and $11 for adults. Prices increase $2 at door
Call: (630) 540-4834