Rehearsals for Waupaca High School’s fall musical are under way.
This year’s production is the classic show “The King and I,” based on the book “Anna and the King,” by Margaret Landon.
The cast leads for this year are: Anna – Alexa Johnson; Louis – Evan Bolwerk; King of Siam – Joe Gill; Lady Thiang – Ellen Ryder; Lun Thai – Isaac Barden; Tuptim – Nikky Weise; Captain Orton – Christian Bump; Interpretor – Simon Baumgart; Khralahome (Prime Minister) – Owen McCann; and Sir Edward – Hayden Neidert.
The musical was written by the duo Rogers and Hammerstein and first premiered on Broadway on March 29, 1951.
It was an immediate success, and has remained a classic Broadway musical ever since, with a movie version in 1956 that won an Academy Award.
The story takes place in Siam, Taiwan, in the 1860’s.
Anna is hired by the king to teach his children English and the modern ways of Europe.
Their relationship is one of much conflict in opinion, yet a true love develops throughout the story.
Traditions of the Siamese culture are displayed through the music and dancing, as well as the costumes and sets.
The humor, beauty and drama of the story will be pleasing to all who attend.
The WHS Concert Choir singers are all involved and working to prepare the show, under the direction of Kathy Alan and Jackie McGinnis.
Each student has a role as a royal wife, soldier, guard, dancer, member of the pit orchestra or part of the tech crew, among other roles.
They are excited to present another show to the students, staff and community of Waupaca.
The show dates will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2 and at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4; Thursday, Nov. 6; and Saturday, Nov. 8, in the high school’s Performing Arts Center.
Tickets will go on sale in mid October.
Refer to the Waupaca County Post for further show updates and ticket information.