PASAY CITY, Philippines – After the success of the longest running Broadway-based production ‘The Sound of Music’ that was mounted in 2011 and ended in summer this year, Resorts World Manila and Newport Performing Arts Theater present ‘The King and I’ starting September 15.
Monique Wilson and Leo Tavarro Valdez as Anna Leonowens and the King. Photograph by Jory Rivera. Graphics by Carlo James Cortez.
On Saturday, July 28, a preview and a press conference was hosted to officially launch the upcoming Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical that was based on the 1944 novel titled
Anna and the King of Siam by
Margaret Landon and derives from the memoirs of
Anna Leonowens, who became
governess to the children of
King Mongkut of
Siam in the early 1860s.
Bo Cerrudo and Shiela Valderrama are alternating as the King and Anna Leonowens. Photograph by Jory Rivera. Graphics by Carlo James Cortez.
Taking the lead for new show are Monique Wilson and Leo Tavarro Valdez as Anna Leonowens and the King, respectively. Alternating them are Shiela Valderrama and Bo Cerrudo.
Wilson when asked if playing Anna is a dream role, she paused and said, “I never thought of doing the character, but as I am now assuming the role, I’ve realized that it is kind of my dream role.”Valdez on the other hand admitted that it is a dream role for him.
It is predicted that the family-oriented musical will be another mega-hit following the record-breaking 128 shows of ‘The Sound of Music’ and will be directed by the Freddie Santos. The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra led by the baton of Maestro Rodel Colmenar.
Two Lun Thas and Two Tuptims (L-R): Floyd Tena, Marian Santiago, Lorenz Martinez, and Tanya Manalang. Photograph by JR Sala.
Other lead stars are Gina Respall and Apple Chui as Lady Thiang, Tanya Manalang and Marian Santiago as Tuptin, with Lorenz Martinez and Floyd Tena as Lun Tha.
Anton Posadas and James Ketcher as Prince Chulalongkorn and Louis Leonowens, respectively. Photograph by Jory Rivera.
Aside from the magnificent production design, the show’s attraction is the animatronic figure of an elephant, which is powered by electric means. The figure is precisely customized with the exact dimensions and proportions of living creatures. Watch out for how the production has meticulously made the figure imitate the muscle movements in a more realistic motion.
The animatronics elephant, the first-of-its-kind to be staged via this musical titled 'The King and I'. Photograph by Jory Rivera.
‘The King and I’ speaks about love, which is universal and the respect of one’s differences. The musical is ideal for youngsters to be exposed to this kind of production that inculcates the said messages previously mentioned.
Tickets are now available at Resorts World Manila Box Office and all
TicketWorld outlets. For more details and for schedule inquiries, visit
www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline (632) 836-6333.
