Ocean State Theatre Opens KING AND I, 4/24

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), the not-for-profit which brought new life to the historic Theatre By The Sea for the past five years, concludes their Inaugural Season with the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical masterpiece, The King and I, which opens in previews on Wednesday, April 24.

This family classic full of splendor and pageantry features a dazzling score with some of the most popular songs ever written, including "Hello, Young Lovers," "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Getting to Know You," "I Have Dreamed," "We Kiss in a Shadow," and "Shall We Dance?" The King and I is based on the novel Anna and the King of Siam, which recounted the experiences of the English governess, Mrs. Anna Leonowens, who spent seven years at the Siamese Royal Court in Bangkok, imparting Western ways and culture to the king's court. Running for nearly three years when it was initially produced in New York in 1951, this great American masterpiece, with its legendary songs and touching story, is a must-see for children of all ages.

Directed and choreographed by Producing Artistic Director Amiee Turner, with musical direction by John Jay Espino, the cast includes Christopher Swan, who recently won rave reviews for his portrayal of Jack Lawson in Race, as The King of Siam and opera singer, Alison Mahoney, who appeared as Sister Margaretta in OSTC's production of The Sound of Music, in the role of Anna Leonowens. Hyemi Kim, originally from Seoul, Korea makes her OSTC debut in the role of Lady Thiang, JP Sarro, who appeared in previous OSTC productions of Hairspray and Man of La Mancha returns in the role of The Kralahome and Shawna Haeji Shin, originally from South Korea, will appear in the role of Tuptim. Local performers include Connor Buonaccorsi of Cranston in the role of Louis Leonowens, Andrew Faria of East Providence as Prince Chululongkorn, as well as Josh Christenson of Warwick, Elise Arsenault of Bristol, Valerie Fortes of Pawtucket, MargaRita Martinez of Providence, Andy McLeavey of South Kingstown and featuring Calista Heart Aguinaldo of Warwick, Brooke Lee Ann Boisvert of Harrisville, Jacqueline Claire DePetro, Kate DePetro, Alexander LeBlanc and Sophie Rodgers of East Greenwich, Chloe Deveney and Jonah Heath King of Cranston, Cameron Harrington of Providence, and Abigail Rain Heiser of Johnston as the Royal Children.

The King and I will be presented at Ocean State Theatre from April 24 - May 19. Previews are scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, April 25 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm. All other performances will be held Wednesday (except May 8 & 15) through Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Conducting Conversations Live!, a free post-show discussion hosted by WCRI's Mike Maino, will follow the 2pm performance on Saturday, April 27.

The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI. Tickets are $39 for preview performances and $39-$54 for all other performances. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling (401) 921-1777 x112. $25 "Rush" tickets are available on a limited basis one hour prior to curtain on the day of the performance. Tickets are on sale at the box office Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon - 6:00 pm, Saturdays from 12 noon - 4:00 pm, and from 12 noon until curtain on performance days. Tickets are also available online 24 hours a day at www.OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 921-6800.

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