SESAME STREET's Alan Muraoka Directs Lyric's THE KING AND I, Now thru 6/13

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma hasn't presented the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical THE KING AND I since 1983, but this summer the production will return with a vengeance, featuring a powerful cast and creative team, tonight, July 9-13 at the Civic Center Music Hall, as part of Lyric's 50th Anniversary Season. THE KING AND I will be directed by "Sesame Street" star Alan Muraoka, known as Al on the show.

"Lyric is proud to present THE KING AND I, one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's masterpieces that has delighted and emotionally resonated with audiences since its premiere in 1951," said Michael Baron, Lyric's artistic director. "In addition, I'm proud to welcome Director Alan Muraoka and Choreographer Greg Zane to bring this show to life once more. Also, we will be hosting a chorus of 21 Asian-American children from right here in Oklahoma City. The splendor and drama of the court of the King of Siam will glitter once more as Anna and the King come to understand and love one another."

Muraoka last joined Lyric to direct the hit musical XANADU in 2012, complete with a roller skating cast. His directing credits also include Off-Broadway and regional theatre, as well as television. As an actor, he joined the cast of "Sesame Street" in 1997 and has been a series regular ever since.

Heading the cast will be Heather Geery as Anna and Mel Sagrado Maghuyop as the King of Siam. The production holds a special place in Geery's heart, as she appeared in Lyric's 1983 production of THE KING AND I as one of the King of Siam's children. Her most recent regional credits include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at West Virginia Public Theatre and A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Theatreworks USA. Maghuyop will travel to Oklahoma from New York City and this is not the actor's first time tackling the role, as he played the part at Walnut Street Theatre in November 2011. Maghuyop is also a volunteer police officer with the NYPD.

"Being a part of this show once again is so special and sentimental for me," said Geery. "Not only is it a celebration of Lyric's 50thAnniversary, but THE KING AND I was my first show as a child, so to go from playing a princess to portraying the role of Anna means this experience truly brings my life on the Lyric Stage full-circle. It is a wonderful and special moment for me!"

Featuring familiar songs like "Getting to Know You," the production will wow audiences with its majestic costumes and elaborate set pieces. Zane has choreographed the production multiple times, including the show's national tour, and teaches dance at American Ballet Theatre and Broadway Dance Center in New York City, among others.

Tickets to all of Lyric's 2013 shows are now on sale. To buy tickets, visit Lyric's box office at 1727 NW 16th Street, call (405) 524-9312 or visit LyricTheatreOKC.com. Performances will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall on Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m.

Founded in 1963, Lyric is Oklahoma's leading professional theatre company. For 50 years, Lyric has produced classic and contemporary musicals and plays featuring both nationally known Broadway stars and local favorites. Lyric produces four large-scale, fully orchestrated musicals at the Civic Center Music Hall each summer, as well as four smaller works at the Plaza Theatre during the spring, fall and winter. Lyric's ThElma Gaylord Academy is a professional training ground for students ages 5-18 offering classes in all aspects of musical theatre. Academy students have the opportunity to perform in two full-scale productions each year on the Plaza Theatre stage. For more information visit LyricTheatreOKC.com.

Pictured: Heather Geery as Anna. Photo Credit: Keith Rinearson.

To post a comment, you must register and login.