Footlighters Theatre Company Presents the King and I
In celebration of Richard Rodgers' 110th birthday, travel to exotic Siam with Footlighters Theatre Company as they present the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, The King and I, opening July 26 at the Prairie Lakes Theatre. This captivating and timeless treasure is one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's best-loved musicals and has been enchanting audiences for over six decades. The King and I is based on the book “Anna and the King of Siam,” by Margaret Landon. The story is derived from the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, who comes to Siam in the 1860's to tutor the many wives and royal heirs of the country's progressive King. The lush score includes “Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Getting to Know You,” “Something Wonderful,” and “Shall We Dance?”
In an East meets West battle of wills, The King and I explores the transformation of a King as he seeks to modernize his country. It is a story of love, both forbidden and unrequited, and a statement on overcoming prejudice and rigid traditions that resonates with audiences even today. A highlight of the musical is the ballet, “The Small House of Uncle Thomas,” based on Harriet Beecher Stowe's “Uncle Tom's Cabin.” Ten dancers from the Des Plaines School of Dance join the cast to tell the story of the slave girl Eliza's escape from the evil King Simon of Legree. The tale mirrors King's own claim on the Burmese slave girl Tuptim, who is to become his next wife. The explosive action that follows the ballet is a major turning point in the relationship for Anna and the King, and sets the stage for the enchanting “Shall We Dance?” scene.
"We are excited to bring The King and I to the Prairie Lakes stage," said Cultural Arts Supervisor, Nancy Suwalski. “This Tony award winning musical opened on Broadway in 1951 and has been seen around the world, on stage and on the big-screen, and is sure to delight the entire family.”
Directed by Barry Norton, with choreography by Mary Williams and Jenny Ostrowski, and musical direction by Kedrick Parnam, The King and I is fun for the whole family and a must see this summer.
With: Suk Song (the King), Alexis Armstrong (Anna), Jolie Armstrong (Louise), Sammi Gassel (Lady Thiang), Margaret Juravic (Tuptim), Brendan Gaughan (Lun Tha), Anthony Marcussi (Kralahome), Michael Lane (Captain Orton/Sir Edward Ramsey), Adrian Delgado (Prince Chulalonghorn), and Anthony Defrancisco (The Interpreter/Guard). In the ballet: Sammy Kedziora (Topsy), Kim Diebold (King Simon of Legree), Meghan Hanrahan (Eliza), Dylan Lainez (Buddha), Tami Boyce (Angel/George), Ella Kurutz (Eva), and Bridget Donovan (Uncle Thomas).
At the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St. Des Plaines: June 26-August 5, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets on sale at Prairie Lakes Community Center: Adults, $15; Students, Seniors, Military, and Groups of 12+, $12; Children under 10, $10. For more information call 847-391-5711 or visit www.DPParks.org.