Pymatuning Valley High School students are preparing for the spring musical “The King and I” which will be presented on March 27, 28, and 29, 2009 in the Veterans Memorial Performing Arts Center. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will start at 2:00 p.m.
“The King and I” is loosely based on the story of Anna Leonowens who traveled to Siam in the 1860’s with her young son. A widow, Anna was hired to teach the children of the King.
“Considering our total school enrollment is about 400 students, we are involving a hugs percentage of the population. Nearly 50 high school students will fill the roles of cast and crew. Middle school and primary school brothers and sisters will help out by becoming children of the King.” said Maribeth Miltner, director of the production.
Students involved in this year’s production include Nick Marshall in the dual roles of Captain Orton and Sir Edward Ramsey, Tyler Miller as Louis Leonowens, Sonni Suummers who takes the demanding role of Anna, and Justin Dye who will be our king. Romantic leads are held by Jesica Groff as Tuptim and Jake Sabeh is Lun Tau. Lady Thiang is ably played by Tiffany Payne. PV boys basketball player Matt Lautanen becomes the fierce Kralahome, and Prince Chulalongkorn will be portrayed by Alex Jones.
Wives of the King include Laura Ault, Nikki Gale, Danielle Hall, Rebecca Jordan, Emily Miller, Kayla Sanislo, Emily Somerville, Sarah Sundberg, Emilee Tucker, Halle Wilkerson, and Keshia White. Michael Bailey will be the interpreter and Evan Gruskiewicz will be Phra Alack. Princess Ying Yaowalek will be played by Shawna Dye.
Small House dancers include Melanie Somerville, Trisha Gruskiewicz, Laura Corson, Tina Tanner, Lauren Seman, and Hayleigh Wilson. Filling the roles of amazons, priests and slaves are Maxine Semai, Cassandra Mock, Lucas Riley, Andrew Smith, Jarrod Woodard, Robert Taylor, Courtney Stewart, Valerie Ramos, Aurora West, Jessica Zaebst, Caza Hazlett, Dylan Young, and Alicia Parker.
Children of the king are Sarah Webker, Julia Fink, Aurora Bradley, Brad DeHaven, CJ Lappert, Shawn Mock, Patrick Lorincz, Rebecca Whyte, Brianna Buie, Jillian Flannery, Katelyn Wright, Jason Jewett, Madelyn Whyte, Carrie Sanislo, Jonathan Campbell, Hannah Wonderling, Ryan, Noah, Jonah, and Shelby Wilkerson.
Orchestra members include Greg Sili, Amanda Sloban, Anissa Miranda, Marcus Cunningham, Brianne Roebuck, and Erik Barnes. Crew leaders are Luke Bettcher (lighting and sound designer), Kat Sumner, Alan Keep, and David Sluder.
King and I boasts several well-known songs including “Getting To Know You”, “Whistle A Happy Tune”, and “Shall We Dance?” among others.
PV Music Boosters will be serving an Oriental Dinner in the high school cafeteria for the Friday night show only. Cost of “dinner and the show” is $10.00. Tickets for Dinner and A Show MUST be purchased in advance. Show only seats are $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for students and senior citizens. Tickets go on sale March 2nd.
Miltner is being assisted by Pamela Amy, orchestra director and Colleen Sabeh, stage manager and construction head.
