Due to the large cast size, “The King and I” has been running dress rehearsals since last Thursday. The kids are having fun with their costumes, shoes and makeup, some darkening their hair with a tinted hairspray. Buns on top of heads for the girls’ hair, and some of the boys have ponytails. The ladies playing the wives have had to become familiar with hoop skirts for one scene, but Elaine Benoit, playing Anna, has a corset and hoops for the entire show. Suddenly doorways become an obstacle!
The hundreds of details have been coming together this past week – from the painting of set pieces and completing the set, to the many props (the children’s procession has a dragon that took over 10 hours to build!) and hanging and focusing of the lights. The ‘tech rehearsal’ a week ago Friday took nearly 5 hours to enter light cues and determine set piece locations. Luckily, the cast didn’t have to attend that one!
These last several nights doing run-throughs with all the elements – set, lights, the orchestra and costumes – have made for late nights for all involved. Tonight is a night off to rest and recuperate, and the first dress rehearsal with an audience is tomorrow evening. The show opens on Friday, Sept 15th -nearly four months from the first auditions, and three from the beginning of rehearsals!

-- posted by Margaret Barrasso

Eva, Uncle Tom and Topsy in “Small House of Uncle Thomas”

Tuptim, narrates “Small House of Uncle Thomas”

Royal Wives, include head wife, Lady Thiang

Some of the Royal Princesses and Wives

Lady Thiang, a Royal Prince and an Amazon

The Royal Wives

The King and Anna

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