Chandler Readies For 'King And I'

RANDOLPH - Chandler Music Hall in Randolph saw its share of activity last week as a cast of over eighty teens and youth from the Central Vermont region prepared for the musical production of Rogers and Hammerstein's "The King and I."

The hard work of daily rehearsals began after school ended. The entire production came together in a span of just over two weeks.

Performances start Thursday, July 2 and will run again on July 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 5 at 2 p.m.

The King of Siam will be played by Randolph student, Jacob Zani, while the role of Anna will be portrayed by Sarabeth Hamberlin, a familiar face to Chandler from last year's "Sound of Music", where she played Maria.

The story is based on a book about a real-life Anna, although historians question just how authentic her version of actual events was! She was an English schoolteacher, hired by the King of Siam (Thailand) to teach his children. That's no mean feat, as he had many wives, and therefore many children. In Chandler's production the King's children will be played by an elementary chorus of thirtyseven youth!

The relationship between Anna and the King is richly textured, as his chauvinist attitude does not sit well with her, and is gradually softened as he recognizes Anna's strength and gifts as a human being.

The king's wives hail from all over central Vermont. The #1 wife, Lady Thiang, is played by Marissa Achee of Rochester. Other wives include Emma Brooks of Quechee (also the female understudy), Megan Farley from Northfield, Abigail Sargent of East Barre, Lauren Spencer from Berlin, Hannah Doughty of Rochester, Montpelier's Sinead O'Mahoney and Claire Goldsworthy from Randolph.

Anna learns of a romantic relationship between Tuptim, a "gift" to the King of Siam, and Lun Tha, her actual love. While the end result is tragic, we are reminded of the joy and wonder of being young lovers. Emily Sargent of East Barre plays Tuptim, and Thornton Raskovitz is Lun Tha.

The production's centerpiece is generally thought of as the highly staged production of "Uncle Tom's Cabin", presented by the wives and children to show they can understand western ways. Choreographer Kim Nowlan is looking forward to a genuine opportunity to showcase her talents in this scene.

The show ends with the scepter of power being passed on to the king's son, the prince. Veteran audience members can look forward to the return of Ben Hayslett, who carved his place in Chandler history with his cameo appearances as an elementary chorus member in Oklahoma and Grease as the vivacious young dancer. Soon he'll be the king!

The concept behind Chandler's fourth of July productions is the power of community and the talent of our young people.

Veteran staff include producer Betsy Cantlin, choreographer Kim Nowlan, music director Marjorie Drysdale, and director Charlie McMeekin. Joining the staff this year as assistant director is Sarah Wolfe of Strafford, a student majoring in theater at Wesleyan University. Nina Gaby returns as the director of costumes and Ramsey Papp is the essential addition as props manager. Mimi Burstein, Chandler's technical director, and alumni Joe Gasque direct a team of teenage tech hands for this show. Sound will be covered by Seth Stoddard from Backroad Productions. Anthony Fiorillo, a new graduate from Randolph High School, is the stage manager.

The final production features a full orchestra, a professionally designed set built by parents and conceived by Greg Crawford of Gaysville, and a cast of more than eighty young people from Lebanon to Montpelier. "The Chandler 4th of July productions have actually become a vacation destination for folks from as far away as Pennsylvania, who saw a show, got the message, and vowed never to miss another!" enthused McMeekin.

Tickets may be reserved at the Chandler box office weekdays between 3 - 6 p.m at 802-728- 9878.

"The King and I" is presented with special permission from Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals.