THE KING AND I Opens at Playhouse Merced, 2/3

"The King and I," a musical about a British schoolteacher and her adventures with the King of Siam, begins a three-weekend run on The Playhouse Merced mainstage Friday, February 3 at 7:30 pm.

"The King and I," is based on the true story of Anna Leonowens, who left England in 1861 to act as governess for the children of the King of Siam. With music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II ("The Sound of Music," "Oklahoma!," "South Pacific") "The King and I" features a tuneful score that includes popular songs like "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Getting to Know You," "Hello, Young Lovers" and "Shall We Dance?"

The show was a hit on Broadway in 1951, starring Yul Brynner as The King of Siam and Gertrude Lawrence as Anna. It won five Tony awards, including Best Musical.

Playhouse Merced's production is directed by Noelle Chandler, musically directed by Patrice Stribling Nelson and features Tammy Borges as Anna and Valiant Reyes as the King of Siam. The cast also includes an ensemble of over 25 performers who play supporting characters, wives, and dancers. In addition, over a dozen young people have been cast to play the King's children. Costumes for "The King and I" are designed by Cindy Strauss with set design by Corey Strauss.

This show is rated A = All Ages

"The King and I" opens February 3 and plays three weekends through February 19, 2012. Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2:00. Tickets prices: Adults: $20.00; Seniors: $18.00; Students: $10.00; Children: $8.00. Purchase tickets by calling (209) 725-8587, or visiting the box office at 452 West Main in downtown Merced, Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 – 5:00.

Playhouse Merced is a community-based, non-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization seeking to entertain, educate and enlighten our audiences.