Seattle Musical Theatre Premieres THE KING'S PROPOSAL, 3/22

The Emerald City is known for many things: angst-ridden rock music, questionable fashion choices, gorgeous scenery, and just a tad too much rain. The Broadway world knows there is now another reputation Seattle can boast: great success with world premiere musicals. "We chose Seattle for a reason," says Chicago-based playwright Michael Govier, who is bringing his new comedic musical, The King's Proposal (or the Marriage of Princess Guido) to the city as part of Seattle Musical Theatre's 33rd season next month. "There's a rich history here, and this city is a hot spot for musical debuts-just look at Hairspray, Young Frankenstein, next to normal... there are dozens of big guns that have started here."

Featuring a cast of predominantly local actors, The King's Proposal is a PG-13, Monty Python-like musical that tells the story of an evil king who tries to marry his daughter to an unwanted suitor. A case of mistaken identities turns into a tale of forced marriage-not to mention forced cross-dressing, forced song singing, occasional sword fighting and the obligatory puppet scene. As Govier says, ""Even people who don't really like musicals can enjoy this one because it has something for everyone-as long as you don't hate laughing!"

Seattle-area natives Jacob Hutchison and Mary-Faith Givens will be playing the roles of the King and Queen. Experienced Chicago-based actor Brennan Buhl was in the original workshop version of The King's Proposal and was asked by Govier and Williams to make the trek to Seattle with them to fill the role of the hilariously nervous Guido. Of all the talented people who are bringing the show to life, Govier says, "Rehearsals have been going great.  I can not wait for Seattle to see all the hard work we've been doing."

Govier has written three full-length plays, a dozen shorts and a musical. His work has been performed around Chicago, where he works with the Neo-Futurists, Barrel Of Monkeys, Stage Left Theatre, and Noble Fool Theater. His work has also been seen in Eugene, OR.
Curtis Williams, a Chicago-based musical director since 2003, wrote the show's music.  He has written more than 100 songs for various shows and has acted as Musical Director for Chicago's Barrel of Monkeys, Second City Theatricals and Neo-Futurists.

 The Pacific Northwest is a homecoming of sorts for Govier and Williams. They have family in Puyallup, WA and Gresham, OR, and met while they were attending the University of Oregon studying theater. Seattle Musical Theatre is thrilled to have The King's Proposal be the first world premiere musical in their theater's history. Govier says, "We're very proud to be part of this new chapter at SMT. We can't wait to show our friends in the Northwest what a great story we've come up with!"

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