THE KING & I Kicks Off Cockpit in Court's 40th Anniversary Season, Now thru 7/1

Rodgers & Hammerstein's family classic The King & Iwill run at Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre from tonight, June 15 through July 1, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm, and one Thursday performance on June 28 at 8pm.

East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured tale. It is 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The King is largely considered to be a barbarian by those in the West, and he seeks Anna's assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story. Along with the dazzling score, the ballet of 'The Small House of Uncle Thomas,' is a featured highlight of the show. Memorable songs include: I Whistle a Happy Tune, Hello, Young Lovers, Getting to Know You, We Kiss in A Shadow, and of course, Shall We Dance?

Jim Handakas (professional actor of stage, film and television) and Nancy Parrish Asendorf (local favorite of the stage) play the roles of The King and Anna.

The King's number one wife, Lady Thiang, is played by Eileen Keenan Aubele. The two love interests Lun Tha & Tuptim are played by Kevin James Logan & Molly Doyle. Rounding out the primary characters include Jim Knost as the Kralahome, Julian Baron as Louis and Matthias Hanchard as the young prince.

Cockpit’s production is directed/choreographed by Todd Pearthree, with musical direction by Glenette Schumacher. Additional Children's Musical Director Alyson Shirk. The lighting design is by Doug Nelson with costume design by A.T. Jones.

Performances take place tonight, June 15 to July 1 in the B Building Theatre at CCBC Essex, 7201 Rossville Boulevard. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm, with one Thursday night performance on June 28 at 8pm. Tickets are $20 general admission, $18 seniors and CCBC alumni, and $12 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available in advance by calling the Box Office at 443.840.2787.

The B Building Theatre at CCBC Essex is wheelchair accessible and provides listening assistance devices for the hearing impaired. With advance notice, audio description for the visually impaired may also be arranged. Patrons requiring special seating or accommodations are urged to inform the Box Office in advance.

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