Theatre Works
presents
Rodgers & Hammerstein's
The King and I
Directed by Mark Anderson
Produced by Connie Altimus
Cast
(In Alphabetical Order)
Connie Altimus - Lady Thiang
Mark Anderson - Captain Orton
Auria Bacon - Royal Grandmother
Marissa Bello - Dancer/Concubine/Townsperson
Gregory Bonin - The King of Siam
Karissa Carson - Royal Child
Allison Cournoyer - Singing Wife
Cara-Lean Denecke - Principal Dancer/ Concubine
Eric Desnoyers - Prince Chululongkorn/Small House Assistant
Crystal Desrosiers - Dancer/Little Eva
Kathy Donahue - Anna Leonowens
Erica Fagan - Dancer/Concubine
Ashley Fino - Royal Child
Kaitlin Fontaine - Dancer - Concubine
Lisa Forsgard - Singing Wife
Matt Gorgone - Royal Child/Gong Player
Megan Gryzbowski - Dancer/Concubine
Andrew Hayden - Royal Child
Sarah Hayden - Royal Child
Deanna Hewey - Singing Wife
Laura Hewey - Royal Child
Christopher Kibbe - The Kralahome
Alicia Leclerc - Royal Child
Brian McGovern - Edward Ramsey/Guard
Cathy Malathong - Dancer/Concubine
Mallory Moreau - Royal Child, Nichola Oliveira - Royal Child/Small
House Assistant
Petmany Rathsavong - Dancer/Concubine
Amelia Rayos - Royal Child
Jessica Roch - Princess Tuptim
Kelly Ryan - Royal Child/Budda
Amy St. Pierre-Dancer/Angel
Matt Simpson - Interpreter/Gong Player/ Small House Assistant
Josh Simpson - Guard/Small House Assistant
Elimelec Valentin - Lun Tha/Dancer/Simon Legree/Uncle Thomas
Alex Whitney - Louis Leonowens
Orchestra
Musical Director - Katie Estrella
Bass - Brian Grochowski
Trumpet - Dennis Montel
Trombone - Mark MacKinnon
Flute - Joyce Harrington
Clarinet - Greg Washburn
Percussion - Phil Cloutier
Reviewed by Don Gillis, March 2, 2001
Theatre Works current production, The King and I, was
a treat!. Mark Anderson has assembled a very talented cast to provide
us with this interesting story of Anna Leonowens (Kathy Donahue),
the British schoolteacher brought to Siam by the King of Siam (Gregory
Bonin) to teach his many children. The music was very beautifully
executed by musical director, Katie Estrella, and her musicians.
The set was small and simple but adequately displayed for each
scene. The large musicals depend so much on lavish sets and huge
stage space nowadays that one would think that sets and space are
what make a musical--- it has always been my belief that TALENT
is what makes a musical, and this production proves that this is
the case.
Gregory Bonin plays the King of Siam with convincing expressions
and body language and displays the ability to change from playful
to angry without blinking an eye, and his vocal numbers were outstanding
- especially "A Puzzlement". Gregory actually shaved
his black curly headlocks off to become a skinhead "Yul Brynner" for
this production. He looked terrific as the King. His costumes were
very authentic and colorful. Scenes with Anna were so well executed
that you would think you were in the palace with them. Gregory
changes moods as the action of the play changes and his mannerisms
were outstanding. He is credited with choreographing the" Shall
We Dance" number, which was well executed. His scenes with
the children were enjoyable , and the end scene was memorable.
Gregory is a fine talented actor, who never lets the audience down,
as evidenced on opening night when he got a standing ovation at
curtain call.
Kathy Donahue plays the British widowed schoolteacher. She is such
a talented actress! Her musical numbers were beautifully sung,
and her acting was outstanding. She also plays the scenes with
the children with lots of emotion and caring. Kathy also wore some
beautiful costumes, especially the one in the party scene when
she dances (Shall We Dance) with the King. Her number "Getting
to Know You" with the children was a special treat. I hate
to pick out one song because Kathy excelled in all of them! The
opening scene with her son Louis was nicely played with Alex Whitney.
The picturesque 'Song to Budda" at the end of Act I was a
special picturesque scene with almost the entire cast. Kathy has
been in numerous productions in the local community, but I particularity
know her because she was my leading lady in "Grease" (Sandy)
which I directed for Pawtucket Community Players (1988) and played
Sister Robert Anne in "Nunsense" (1997) which 1 also
directed for Pawtucket Community Players. Kathy is a joy to work
with and a truly outstanding actress, so easy to direct, and so
dedicated to her craft!
Lady Thiang, head wife of the King, was played by another one of
my favorite actresses, Connie Altimus. She was especially good
in the "Western People Funny" number with the wives.
Her rendition of" Something Wonderful" displayed her
vocal displayed her vocal range and emotional abilities. She was
truly a joy to watch. Connie also produced this massive musical,
so she was one busy lady!. Connie is no stranger to community theater,
as she just finished playing the role of Widow Corney/Mrs. Bumble
in Pawtucket Community Players production of Oliver (which 1 produced
and co-choreographed). A great job, both on and off stage for Connie.
Anyone who knows this story is aware that the King has many children. In this
production we are entertained by the cutest and most talented bunch of kids.
And they lit up the stage each time they appeared on stage. " The March
of the Siamese Children" was a stunning and heartwarming scene. The children
were very talented both in song and action. Royal children were: Karissa Carson,
Ashley Fino, Andrew Hayden, Sarah Hayden, Laura Hewey, Alicia Leclerc, Mallory
Moreau, Nicholas Oliveira, Amelia Rayos, Kelly Ryan, Matt Gorgone, and the Prince
played by Eric Desnoyers who did an outstanding job as the young prince who is
not sure that he can be king. His "A Puzzlement" reprise
with Louis (Alex Whitney) was done well. Alex did a great job portraying the
young son of Anna's and his allegiance to his mother and standing up for her
was well acted.
The one number in this show that is a challenge choreographically is the Theater
Pavilion scene where the King is being entertained by Princess Tuptim and her
court of dancers. This segment is 16 minutes dead time (I know---I
choreographed it for Pawtucket Community Players in 1984). Jennifer Barrette
did an outstanding job of recreating this lengthy narrated piece about slavery
in America. The dancers were very good, particularly Cara-Lean Denecke, principle
dancer, and Jennifer's choreography was creative, and crisp , thus making this
piece entertaining without getting boring. The masks, makeup (by Rich Concannon)
and props by Woonsocket High School Art Department were perfect!.
There are two lovers in this show that you cannot forget, LunTha (Elimelec Valentin)
and Tuptim (Jessica Roch). Both sing and act so well together. Jessica has a
beautiful voice, and displays it so well in "My Lord and Master" and
with Elimelec in "I Have Dreamed". Both are destined for careers in
theater if they wish to continue. Jessica took on the role at the last minute
after the original girl (Somsopheap Vey) was unable to do the show.
Brian McGovern as Edward Ramsey has a very nice scene with Anna when he dances
with her as they discuss old times. Brian is a talented actor who has been doing
community theater for some time now. He was last seen in Oliver and Fiddler on
the Roof for Pawtucket Community Players. Nice job, Brian!
There are 36 members in this wonderfully entertaining show and I am applauding
all of you -some of whom I did not mention because of space limitations. However,
I know that you all worked very hard to make this production a success and it
certainly is. My hat goes off to the genius of Mark Anderson who directed this
show. His insight, and dedication to the theater was quite evident in this production.
Mark is also a very talented actor! His technical crew from producer, Connie
Altimus to Publicity by Louis Tetreault was outstanding.
This production of The King and I was a real treat, so make a special
effort to support this community theater and call for reservations!
The King & I (till March 18, 2001)
Theatre Works Auditorium
78
Earle Street Woonsocket, RI
(401) 766-1898, press 1