YoonJeong Seong

Broadway vets Lainie Sakakura and Alex Sanchez ushered in the Year of the Dog at P.S. 87 - William T. Sherman School's Annual Pan Asian Lunar New Year celebration, with a little help from their Asian American Broadway friends on February 9, 2018.

With the show's Broadway debut in 1951, followed by the 1956 Academy-Award-winning film adaption, Rodger's and Hammerstein's THE KING AND I has been captivating audiences for over 60 years. Yul Brenner, the most iconic and well-known of the actors who have played the King, not only starred in both stage and film incarnations of this classic musical, but he brought the show's national tour to the Music Hall at Fair Park in 1989, where the acclaimed musical is currently being revived by Dallas Summer Musicals. Though the current production's leader may lack Brenner's clout and charisma, this locally produced musical provides a high-quality, dazzling opportunity to celebrate and enjoy this timeless classic.

Rodgers & Hammerstein are, to me, the comfort food of musical theatre. Of all their shows, THE KING AND I holds up the best some 65 years on. It avoids the saccharine sweetness and didactic qualities of some of their other works. The musical is based on the 1944 novel 'Anna and the King of Siam' by Margaret Landon, which was derived from Anna Leonowens memoirs of her time as governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860's. The musical tells the story of Anna, a British schoolteacher hired as part of the King's drive to modernize his country. Their relationship is marked by conflict as well as by a love that neither can admit to. Premiering on March 29 in 1951, THE KING AND I ran nearly three years, and, at the time, was the fourth longest-running Broadway musical in history.

The award-winning Olney Theatre Center closes its 75th Anniversary season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic THE KING AND I, starring Paolo Montalban, November 14 through December 29 on the Mainstage. Check out a first look below!

The award-winning Olney Theatre Center closes its 75th Anniversary season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic THE KING AND I, starring Paolo Montalban, November 14 through December 29 on the Mainstage. Check out highlights of the show below!

Paolo Montalban and Eileen Ward are a dynamic duo in classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

The award-winning Olney Theatre Center closes its 75th Anniversary season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic THE KING AND I, starring Paolo Montalban, tonight, November 14 through December 29 on the Mainstage. Rehearsals for THE KING AND I are underway and the kids are gearing to go. Take a look at these behind the scene gems to get a glimpse of how cute and adorable they are!

The award-winning Olney Theatre Center closes its 75th Anniversary season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic THE KING AND I, starring Paolo Montalban, November 14 through December 29 on the Mainstage. Rehearsals for THE KING AND I are underway and the kids are gearing to go. Take a look at these behind the scene gems to get a glimpse of how cute and adorable they are!

The award-winning Olney Theatre Center closes its 75th Anniversary season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic THE KING AND I, starring Paolo Montalban, November 14 through December 29 on the Mainstage.