Dallas Summer Musicals' THE KING AND I Begins Today

Based on the 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam and hit classic Broadway musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE KING AND I is making its North Texas debut at the Music Hall at Fair Park, produced by Michael A. Jenkins (six-time Tony Award winner) and Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc., beginning tonight. This exciting new production features a revamped script, timeless songs, and a new physical production with an entirely fresh interpretation of the musical.

East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination. 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 incomparable Jerome Robbins ballet, 'The Small House of Uncle Thomas,' is one of the all-time marvels of the musical stage.

Directed by Glenn Casale with original choreography by Bob Richard, the all-star cast includes Rachel York (Anna Leonowens), joined by Alan Ariano (the King of Siam), Ted Deasy (Captain Orton/Sir Ramsey), Ray Rochelle (the Karalahome), Yoon Jeong Seaong (Tuptim), Tami Swartz (Lady Thiang), Devin Ilaw (Lun Tha), Aidan Winn (Louis Leonowens), and Stephen Major Yongji Curda (Prince Chulalongkorn).

Rounding out the ensemble are Frenie Acoba, Carol Angeli, Eric Badique, Korey Buecheler, Alysia Chang, Alex Chester, Louise Marie Cornillez, Justine "Icy" Moral, Jan Javier, Jolina Javier, Peter King-Yuen, Bety Le, Eddy Lee, Stephanie Lo, Azumi Milligan, Rumi Oyama, Marcus Shane, Sai Somboon, Sam Tanabe, and Jee Teo.

"What makes Dallas Summer Musicals' THE KING AND I revival special is the chemistry between Alan Ariano as the King and Rachel York as Anna. It is a musical to share with the entire family that has a great story and a lush score," said director Casale. "A truly timeless production that will have you invested in the story leaving you humming all of its songs."

Glenn Casale (Director) helmed the new production of Dallas Summer Musicals Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID this past year. Casale's work is seen in the Broadway production of PETER PAN starring Cathy Rigby and filmed by A&E. Off Broadway he directed THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS GARLAND, DRAGAPELLA at Studio 54. Internationally he directed Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

Casale's work has been seen throughout the U.S. in productions of DR. DOLITTLE; BALLROOM starring Tyne Daly and Charles Durning; WRESTLERS starring Mark Harmon and George Clooney; FROM THE TOP starring Carol Burnett; CAMELOT starring Michael York; and THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE with Jason Alexander. He is artistic director for the California Musical Theater in Sacramento.

Bob Richard (Choreographer) has pleased audiences with classics such as THE KING AND I, THE MUSIC MAN, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and ANNIE, as well as the world premiere productionof Dean Pitchford and Tom Snow's FOOTLOOSE and the Tenth Anniversary Production of Frank Wildhorn's JEKYLL AND HYDE. Bob also choreographed the first productions of both HAIRSPRAY and LES MISERABLES to ever be staged in the round. His work can be seen every year at the Old Globe Theatre, with the long?running family production of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!: THE MUSICAL. Encompassing a career of more than 30 years of dancing, teaching and choreographing in major cities all over the world, Richard is the resident choreographer for Sacramento Music Circus and has staged over twenty?nine productions there over the past 13 years.

The design team for THE KING AND I includes Michael Anania (Scenic Design), Costume World, Inc. (Costume Design), Charlie Morrison (Lighting Design), Timothy K. Schmidt (Sound Design), Wigboys (Hair Design), Stephanie Klapper CSA (Casting), Craig Barna (Music Direction).

Preview performances for THE KING AND I will be March 20-22. The official press opening night is Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. with the last performance playing Sunday, April 5. All evening performances will be held at 7:30 p.m., and matinee performances will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and select Thursdays during the show's run.

Single tickets, priced from $25-$108, are now on sale online at www.DallasSummerMusicals.org, by phone at 1.800.514.ETIX (3849), and at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, Suite 542 in Dallas, TX. Mini Packs, which allow all ticket buyers to pick 3 or more shows for as low as $55, are also available online or may be ordered by mail or in person at The Box Office, by phoning 214.346.3300 or through fax at 214.691.7386. Season subscribers and other patrons who have questions about their tickets can call The Box Office at 214.691.7200. Groups of 10 or more receive a 15% discount, priority seating, and many more benefits. Please call 214.426.GROUP (4768) or email Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

Dallas Summer Musicals 75th Anniversary Season will continue as follows: THE ILLUSIONISTS, April 7-19, 2015; Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA, June 9-21, 2015; DIRTY DANCING, June 23-July 5, 2015; and PIPPIN, July 7-19, 2015.

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education, and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a nonprofit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and create important community programs. DSM's Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM provides positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, The Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. DSM's High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway's Tony Awards and celebrates the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at www.dallassummermusicals.org.

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