Auditions for Pec’s The King and I April 20-21

press release

PECATONICA, Ill.—Pec Playhouse Theatre has announced open auditions for its summer musical, The King and I, a well-loved classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Auditions are Monday and Tuesday, April 20-21, at 6:30 p.m. for children and 7:15 p.m. for adults.

The story takes place in the 1860s. The King of Siam, considered by many to be a barbarian, seeks to modernize his image and summons Anna Leonowens, an attractive English schoolteacher, to teach his royal children and many wives. As Anna and her son develop a bond with their charges, she and the king clash over cultural differences. Yet, when a crisis occurs with the British, Anna finds she’s grown to respect the king, despite his infuriating ways, and is compelled to aid him in improving his reputation.

The show’s dazzling score includes many well-known favorites such as “Getting To Know You,” “Shall We Dance?,” “Hello Young Lovers” and “Whistle a Happy Tune.”

The King and I won the 1952 Tony Award for best musical, while the original Anna (Gertrude Lawrence) won for Best Actress (in a Musical) and Yul Brynner won for Best Actor. In 1957, Brynner also won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of the king in the very successful movie version.

The play will be under the creative direction of Anita Patterson. Patterson has more than 25 years experience in directing musicals, comedies and dramas. She began her theatrical career in Naperville, Ill., worked with the Sondheim Musical Company in Tampa, Fla., and various companies in southern California. She directs and teaches at Tri-County Christian School in Freeport and Faith Community Church in Davis. For more information about the auditions or the production, contact Patterson at (815) 248-2447 or by e-mail at neetzma@earthlink.net.

Roles to be cast are as follow:

Women—Anna Leonowens (age range 30s-40s, mezzo soprano); Lady Thiang (age 30-50, alto); Tuptim (age 17-27, soprano, dancing); six royal wives (age 20s-40s, singing and dancing).

Men—The King (age range 35-55, tenor); Louis Leonowens (age range 10-14, tenor or boy alto); The Kralahome (age 35-60, speaking role); Lun Tha (age 17-27, tenor); Prince Chulalongkorn (age 14-18, tenor or boy alto); Sir Edward Ramsay (age 35-50, speaking role); Phra Alack (age 35-50, speaking role); Captain Orton (age 35-50, speaking role).

Children—10 royal children (age 8-14, singing and dancing).

Those auditioning for lead roles are strongly encouraged to become familiar with the music and character for that role prior to auditioning. Perusal scripts are available at the Pecatonica Pharmacy, (815) 239-1200.

Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., July 17-31 and Aug. 1-2. Tickets are $10. For information about tickets, call the Pec Playhouse Theatre at (815) 239-1210.

from the April 15-21, 2009, issue

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