Making the part of the King in “The King and I” original can be a challenge, but the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse may have found the right man for the job.
Ronald M. Banks, an actor from California, has played the part many times and has been able to make the character of the King of Siam his own.
It's a particularly daunting task, as most people familiar with the story always compare performances with that of Yul Brynner, said Tim Fox, director of marketing and communication at the playhouse. But Fox has faith in Banks' ability.
“He's such a dynamic performer in such a difficult part to cast,” Fox said.
Banks is intimately familiar with the Rodgers and Hammerstein piece. He said he's appeared in at least 10 or 12 different productions of “The King and I,” both regionally and nationally.
While the story never changes, Banks said each time he does the show it always seems different, depending on the interaction of the cast.
The musical tells the story of the King of Siam and the widow, Anna Leonowens, he hires to teach his many children English. The King becomes intrigued by Anna's teachings, and the relationship grows from one of dislike to admiration as the tale moves on.
Based on a real king, the story is not true, but the fairy tale is great to watch, Fox said. It is full of every emotion and the audience should be captivated.
Eileen Ward plays the role of Anna. She too is familiar with the show, as she understudied Stephanie Powers in the role of Anna for a national tour.
Paul David Bryant is directing the production, and as Banks said, every director who takes on this show always brings something new to it.
There are subtle things that change, based on what a director wants, Banks said.
The award-winning score, many people will recognize includes “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Getting to Know You,” “Shall We Dance?” and “Something Wonderful.”
Veterans to the show, 10 local youth cast as the King's children and actors from previous MGR productions as well as new performers, have been rehearsing since last weekend and will bring the finished product to the stage for opening night Wednesday.
Staff writer Laura Boyce can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 236 or at laura.boyce@lee.net
It's a particularly daunting task, as most people familiar with the story always compare performances with that of Yul Brynner, said Tim Fox, director of marketing and communication at the playhouse. But Fox has faith in Banks' ability.
“He's such a dynamic performer in such a difficult part to cast,” Fox said.
Banks is intimately familiar with the Rodgers and Hammerstein piece. He said he's appeared in at least 10 or 12 different productions of “The King and I,” both regionally and nationally.
While the story never changes, Banks said each time he does the show it always seems different, depending on the interaction of the cast.
The musical tells the story of the King of Siam and the widow, Anna Leonowens, he hires to teach his many children English. The King becomes intrigued by Anna's teachings, and the relationship grows from one of dislike to admiration as the tale moves on.
Based on a real king, the story is not true, but the fairy tale is great to watch, Fox said. It is full of every emotion and the audience should be captivated.
Eileen Ward plays the role of Anna. She too is familiar with the show, as she understudied Stephanie Powers in the role of Anna for a national tour.
Paul David Bryant is directing the production, and as Banks said, every director who takes on this show always brings something new to it.
There are subtle things that change, based on what a director wants, Banks said.
The award-winning score, many people will recognize includes “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Getting to Know You,” “Shall We Dance?” and “Something Wonderful.”
Veterans to the show, 10 local youth cast as the King's children and actors from previous MGR productions as well as new performers, have been rehearsing since last weekend and will bring the finished product to the stage for opening night Wednesday.
Staff writer Laura Boyce can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 236 or at laura.boyce@lee.net
The Citizens' Say
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Phyllis Bunker to Laura wrote on Jun 19, 2006 9:12 AM: