February 18, 2009 05:38 pm
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ANDOVER — Word around the halls at Pymatuning Valley High School is that the king is coming! How could this be? This year’s spring musical is “The King and I,” and cast members have been hard at work. Auditions were held in late December.
“The King and I” is loosely based on the true story of Anna Leonowens, an English woman, who traveled to Siam in the 1860s to teach the children “western” ways. Although Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical versions implies a romantic relationship between Anna and the king, the real life characters did not have anything but a deep respect for each other.
Playing the role of Anna is senior Sonni Summers and the role of the king is sophomore Justin Dye. Choir teacher and director Maribeth Miltner said it was a real joy to watch Dye at the first practice with the younger students. And Dye himself said that working on the play is tough, but that it is really a lot of fun.
Other lead roles are held by sophomore Jessica Groff as Tuptim and junior Jake Sabeh as Lun Tau. Rounding out the top of the cast are Tiffany Payne as Lady Thiang, Alex Jones as Prince Chululongkorn, Nick Marshall as Sir Edmund Ramsey and Matt Lautanen as Kralahorrie.
“This is rather massive undertaking for our school. It is easily the toughest show we have attempted since we opened the Veterans Memorial Performing Arts Center,” said Miltner. “We have over 50 students involved in the show, and coordinating everybody’s schedules is tough.”
In addition to the 50 high school students in the show, there are also 18 middle school and primary school students involved. Beyond that, there will also be the first PVHS orchestra to provide the music.
“We also have great plans for the decoration of the set and will start building the palace scene in February,” Miltner said. “The best thing about this year’s cast is the cooperative attitude of everyone! They are working hard and remembering the details quite well, even when key actors are missing for sports practices or work.”
Right now, in the midst of basketball season, Miltner is missing her entire cast of slaves and amazons – roles that will be filled by PV’s own boys’ basketball team.
“The King and I” will be presented March 27, 28 and 29. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. PV Music Boosters will serve an oriental dinner in the school cafeteria for $10. Ticket sales open on March 2.
Meanwhile, PVHS ex-pects to have a strong participation in this year’s Polar Bear Plunge. The Polar Bear Plunge was a project near and dear to the late Jeff Meddock, and the students and staff have been inspired to make this year one of PV’s best. Those participating have joined in the cause this year, and PV’s slogan is “Freezin’ For a Reason” in honor of our much beloved and deeply missed principal.
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