Oldenburg Academy Drama Club Presents ‘The King and I’

Expect a “royal experience” in the OA Auditorium on November 9 and 10, 2012 at 7:00 pm, when the OA Drama Club presents the timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The King and I (book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, music by Richard Rodgers, original choreography by Jerome Robbins). Considered one of the all-time marvels of musical theater, The King and I is based on Margaret Landon’s novel, Anna and the King of Siam, which was inspired by Anna Leonowens’ account of her experiences teaching the many children of the King of Siam. The conflict of East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale. The show features a “show-within-a show” ballet and a dazzling Rodgers and Hammerstein score, including “Getting to Know You,” “I Have Dreamed”, and “Shall We Dance”. 

Reserved tickets may be purchased during regular school hours by contacting school secretary, Jackie Fitzgerald (812-934-4440 ext. 221 or fitz@oldenburgacademy.org). The office will be closed during fall break (October 15 -19). Due to the show’s popularity (last year’s show was sold out before the first performance), advance ticket purchase is recommended. Remaining tickets will be available at the door on show nights. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students.
More than fifty OA and community grade school students are excited about bringing this wonderful show to life. Senior, Samantha Jarman sums up the experience nicely, “Being part of the cast is extra fun because everyone really becomes a family, and we all work together to put on a fantastic show!”

The cast and the crew includes Broderick Witt (senior), who is filling the student director position and Laurel Kelnhofer (senior), show choreographer, who is designing and teaching the production dances. The large cast is led by seniors Patrick Wunderlich, as the serious and intellectual King, Samantha Jarman, playing the confident teacher, Anna, and Alexa Fangman, as the star-crossed lover, Tuptim.  Principal roles are filled by seniors: Natalie Pottschmidt, as head wife, Lady Thiang, Jay Shi as Lun Tha, Tuptim’s ill-fated lover, Angelo Lipps, as the Kralahome  (the King’s prime minister), Theresa Brunsman, as the Angel/George, John Batterton, as Captain Orton, Sarah Cornett, as Little Eva, Christopher Hockaden, as Sir Edward Ramsey and Josh Knapp, as the King’s secretary, Phra Alack; juniors: Gabrielle Mungcal (Simon Legree) and Tabitha Shenk (Topsy); sophomore  Jeremy Kelnhofer (the Interpreter); Freshman Carly Wagers (Uncle Thomas) ; St. Louis Grade school student, Nathan Hurm, as Louis (Anna’s son) and South Decatur Junior High School student, Justin Bates, as the crown prince, Chulalongkorn. Playing wives, children, dancers, priests and guards are: Jade Allen, Emma Bischoff, Shannon Deal, Courtney Eckstein, Jacob Fairfield, Mikaela Fangman, Isabell Fitzgerald, Marisa Fullenkamp, Ava Geers, Olivia Geers, Lily Gellenbeck, Marie Hoog, Decker Horninger, Emily Koch, Elizabeth Miller, Matthew Miller, Ava Obermeyer, Lizzy Puttmann, Paris Raab, Jayden Rose, Kirsten Stenger, Justine Stenger, Kayla Stone, Allison Storms, Evelyn Storms, Kate Walke, Josie Wesseler and Kathryn Wilder. Backstage help is supplied by LeAnn Bannigan, Zach Gorman, Mara Grieshop, Mark Hoog, Claire McCamey, Brian Ulrich, Emily Ulrich and Sophie Wesseler. Karla Ariens is the show’s rehearsal and production pianist. Set decoration is under the direction of Diana Brunsman and Kris Wampler will conduct the orchestra.

Come see the show and enjoy an evening of beautiful vocals, superb orchestration and thrilling dance. The entire production team is looking forward to “getting to know you”.

THE KING AND I is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals: www.rnh.com.