The King and I cast announced
Kathie Boyer

A lavish production of Rodgers &amp; Hammerstein's The King and I will feature Marshall veterans Kim Byrens and Alan Elliott. Set in the 1860s in the city of Bangkok, The King and I is the timeless love story between a powerful and stubborn king and a determined governess named Anna Leonowens. Based on a true story and the best-selling 1944 novel, Anna and the King of Siam, The King and I is a fascinating tale about a clash of customs. Over time Anna earns the admiration of the royal family, and eventually wins the respect of the king himself in this beautiful story of love and forgiveness. The King and I features a beautiful palace setting, dazzling costumes, beautiful choreography and an award-winning musical score by Rodgers &amp; Hammerstein including such memorable songs as &quot;Hello Young Lovers,&quot; &quot;I Whistle A Happy Tune,&quot; &quot;Shall We Dance?&quot; and &quot;Getting To Know You.&quot;<br /><br />An astonishing range of talent came out to audition for MCP's next musical, The King and I that will open March 16, 2007 at the Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall.<br /><br />Over 90 children audition for the royal children parts and about 45 adults for the principle and chorus parts.<br /><br />Leading the cast is Kim Byrens as Anna and Alan Elliott as the King. Kim brings warmth and radiance to the role of Anna but manages to keep headstrong and practical when dealing with the King. Alan Elliott brings to life a powerful and stubborn King of pronounced royalty, strict customs and a domineering presence who later reveals a kind heart. The adorable Royal Princes and Princesses include Ashley Earl, Lauren Long, Christina Pizzimenti, Emily McCaleb, Kelly Seech, Logan Kiessling, Sophia Cohen, Madeline Russell, Joanna Murray, Dylan PelFrey, Keegan Elliott, Gabriel Armand Roman, Evan Walker, Ben Kowitz, and William Russell.<br /><img src='/images/newsimages/-dave_stacy.jpg' vspace='5' hspace='5' align='right'><br />Stacy Root and David Long make a beautiful pair of tragic lovers as Tuptim and Lun Tha. Root's crystal clear soprano voice, in particular, is pleasing to the ear and blends very well with the tenor voice of Long. Likewise, Irene Pizzimenti makes a sensational impression as head wife Lady Thiang, presenting her role with real dignity and loyalty.<br /><br />Phillip May and Ben Hendler acquit themselves very nicely as the offspring of Anna and the King. Phillip plays the role of Anna's son Louis and Ben tackles the role of Prince Chulalongkorn, the son of the King.<br /><br />Mark Richardson plays the role of the Kralahome. Jon Caulkett plays the Interpreter to the King while Rick Wilson plays the Phra Alack. Alex deFinta plays the part of Captain Orton who along with Dave Byrens, John Hendler and Matt Hazel are part of the guards, priest and slaves. Tim Nolan will lend his talents to the role of Sir Edward. The royal wives include Candi Putnam, Corinna Christman, Judy Edsall, Jennifer Long, Kierstin Elliott, Courntey Watters, Kerry Wilson, Lauren Arizmendi, Diane Long, Stephanie Merritt and Suzanne Bedient.<br /><br />Jocelyn France's choreography of the infamous &quot;Small House of Uncle Thomas&quot; ballet promises to be lively, beautiful and endearing. The ballet dancers are Kierstin Elliott (Eliza), Alice Cornelia Knoppek (The Angel and George), Mark Richardson (Simon Lagree), Michele Hummer (Eva), Jennifer Long (Topsy), Stephanie Merritt (Uncle Thomas), Anna Seifert, Megan Bolger, Ryan Carrel, Grace Belew, Diane Long and Kerry Wilson. The MIB (men in black) are Alex deFinta, Dave Byrens, John Hendler and Matt Hazel.<br /><br />Director, Charles Burr, of Coldwater, continues the tradition of producing what has become some of MCP's most beloved and favorite musicals. Musical Director's include Jeremy Root and Paul Seng. Technical Director, Rick Boyer, recreates the splendor of the 1860s Bangkok with visuals rich in color and texture giving the show the atmosphere of Siamese royalty. With splendidly vivid period costumes, Costume Director, Debbie Culver, will bring to life an aura that takes us into the world of Siam. Other people helping with show details are property masters, Mary Duckwall, Barb Crowle, and Nancy Wojcik, seamstresses, Susan Love, Susan Frook, Judy Edsall and Joan Saber. Keeping the show together and ensuring a spectacular production is Kathie Boyer serving as producer.<br /><br />The King and I opens March 16, 2007 at the Franke Center for the Arts, 214 East Mansion Street, Marshall, and continues for two weekends. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 Adults, $12 Senior and $8 Students. The box office opens March 12, 2007 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday.