[DraperViewpoint] Draper Arts Council Announcement
Gordon Jones
Draper Arts Council to Present The King and I in June
The Draper Arts Council has chosen the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The King and I as the first production to be presented at the new Draper Amphitheater, located on South Mountain.
Jake Andersen, veteran of more than 70 dramatic productions, will direct the show, with a 20-piece orchestra led by Leigh Ann Copas. The role of the King will be sung by Dan Martinez, with Britani Cavaness as his feisty counterpart, Anna Leonowens.
This is a major production, with more than 40 cast members, exotic costumes, elaborate sets, and all the favorite tunes (“Shall We Dance,” “Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Getting to Know You”—originally written for South Pacific, “We Kiss in a Shadow” and many more). The clash of cultures when the East of Siam meets the West of Victorian England always provokes thought and provides fireworks (in this case, literally). This has been a popular show ever since its debut on Broadway in 1951 with Yul Brynner in his first starring role.
“I think audiences will love this production,” says Director Andersen. “It is a grand spectacle, with massive sets and gorgeous costumes. There are great characters, touching romance, and more than a little humor. And we have shortened it a bit. The original runs over three hours, but we have trimmed a little, and picked up the pace. The result is going to be great.”
There will be a formal inauguration of the amphitheatre in July, with a concert by the Utah Symphony, but the Arts Council has received permission to produce this show early, given the Council’s lack of permanent performance space.
The King and I will open June 18 and run until June 28.
In August, the DAC plans to present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. For this production we will return to Juan Diego Catholic High School. In the fall, the annual production of Broadway Kidz will return under the direction of BK Founder Kevin McClellan.
Watch for more details of these and other DAC activities, here and on the DAC website: www.draperartscouncil.org.
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