By MICHELLE HERBISON
SINGING, dancing, colourful costumes and sets and an entertaining storyline make Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s The King and I an enjoyable family show, according to Geelong Lyric Theatre Society.
President Ben Crowley told the Independent his group was excited to bring the production to Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s (GPAC) Playhouse Theatre for six performances from this Friday to 11 May.
A production team of about 140 volunteers had been rehearsing tirelessly for 14 weeks, with some behind-the-scenes workers beginning preparations as far back as October.
“It’s a big job for them putting the whole thing together,” Crowley said.
The cast of 62 would be a “family affair”, with 45 children under 15 years, involving nearly 20 families in the production, he said.
“The children have been really enthusiastic. For a lot it’s their first time on stage.”
Rogers and Hammerstein’s The King and I follows the story of Anna, an English governess who travels to Siam to care for the king’s children.
“There’s a little bit of attraction between Anna and the king,” Crowley explained.
“The king is a very abrupt character and there are a lot of cultural differences between them. Then there’s the king’s staff and he’s got a dozen wives each with children.”
Crowley said the production included some “nice dramatic moments” as well as “quite a bit of comedy”.
“It’ll appeal to audiences of all ages.”
Principal players include Aaron Krivan as the king, Alicia Gili as Anna, as well as Jess Nelson, Angela Gionis, Paddy Pretlove, Trent Inturrisi and Patrick Carroll.
The production’s well-known musical numbers include Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You and Something Wonderful.
Crowley said musical director Amy Young would lead a 16-piece orchestra of local professional musicians.
Lyric previously performed The King and I in 1999 but this time around, as the company approached its 40th anniversary next year, the production would feature an all-new team, Crowley said.
The King and I opens in GPAC’s Playhouse Theatre 7.30pm this Friday and runs for a further five performances including a matinee at 1.30pm on 11 May. Tickets available from GPAC.
