The King and I January 4, 2007

The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The King and I has enchanted audiences for the last 50 years. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, presents the beloved musical, directed by William Osetek, previewing December 28, 2006, opening January 4, 2007 and closing March 4, 2007. Joseph Foronda, who has starred in many Broadway productions, will star as the King and multi Jeff Award winner Mary Ernster will star as Anna.

Set in Siam in the 1860s, The King and I is the moving story of Anna, an adventurous Englishwoman, who becomes governess to Eastern King Mongkut's many children. Anna tries to help King Mongkut come to terms with the modern world, but he is unable to resist the forces of ancient customs. The conflict between Eastern and Western cultures inspired the lush score, which includes "Whistle A Happy Tune", "Hello Young Lovers", "Getting To Know You", "Something Wonderful" and "Shall We Dance?"

The King and I stars Joseph Foronda as the King, Mary Ernster as Anna, Mitch Hollis as Louis, James Meredith as The Kralahome, Richard Manera as Lun Tha and Jenny Januszewski as Lady Thiang.

William Osetek will be directing with John Stark (set design), Julie Mack (lighting design), Rachel Rockwell (Choreography), Nancy Missimi (costume design), Theresa Ham (costume coordinator) and Carey Deadman (orchestrations).

The performance schedule is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays at 8:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Show prices range from $22 to $41.50 (depending on the day of the week); Lunch or Dinner and Theatre Packages are available. Inquire at box office or website for details and prices. For reservations, phone (630) 530-0111 or call TicketMaster at 312-599-1212. You may also visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of ajaniszewski.