Brook Hill sets the stage for 'The King and I'
Staff Reports

-- Bullard Banner photo several of our international students Kelly Griffith-Fields in this play which will give

The elegance of a far-eastern palace will come to the Brook Hill stage when the Fine Arts department presents its eighth annual spring musical production, this year featuring the Rogers and Hammerstein classic, "The King and I."

The well known and much loved musical play is based on the book "Anna and the King of Siam" by Margaret Landon and features such well known songs as "Getting to Know You," "I Have Dreamed," and the ever popular "Shall We Dance."

Many people are familiar with the movie version of the play immortalized by Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr.

But according to the play's director, Glenn Ballard, the Brook Hill cast is especially strong and he is sure patrons will not be disappointed.

"I am so excited about the cast we have put together for our production of the King and I," Ballard said. "The role of the king of Siam is being created by a very fine actor, senior Cody Franklin. Cody played the role of Buffalo Bill Cody in last year's 'Annie Get Your Gun' and he is even more convincing in his portrayal of the king of Siam."

His female lead is the lovely and talented Anna Mae Stevens in the role of Anna Leonowens, the English school teacher.

"Anna Mae has a wonderful maternal quality that perfectly suits her for this role," Ballard said.

"And the angelic voice of Erica Eden is a wonderful fit for the great songs of Tuptim, the young slave girl.

"Her love interest in the play is Lun Tha played by senior Landry Humphries which makes the third year in a row that Erica and Landry have played opposite each other in the spring musical. Their chemistry and harmonies are better than ever.

"But even more satisfying is the fact that we have included it an authentic Asian flavor.

Senior Christine Feng from China will play the role of head wife Lady Thiang, and Woon Ji Choi from South Korea will be our principle dancer and will be prominently featured in the amazing ballet sequence in Act 2.

There are also numerous very young children playing parts as children of the King of Siam."

The gorgeous costumes have been designed by Rebecca Ballard and several Brook Hill moms have assisted in their construction.

Jill Swink of Jacksonville has designed the choreography for the show, and Judy Seamands has added her special artistic touch to the beautiful sets and backdrop.

"This production will be my 10th musical to direct here at Brook Hill and I have been very pleased with the body of work my cast and crews have assembled over the years," Ballard said. "Once more this year I am assisted and encouraged by my two favorite musicians, choral director Patti Eden and orchestra conductor Jamie Reason.

"And I truly believe that this show will be the best one yet. Please come and see it for yourself, and let us know what you think."

Tickets can be reserved by calling the school office at (903) 894-5000 or by emailing gballard@ brookhill.org.