The Andrean Players will present a six-performance engagement of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Tony Award-winning musical, “The King and I” at St. Andrew Avellino Church, located in Flushing on Northern Boulevard, between 157th and 158th Streets.
The troupe, which has been in existence for more than 40 years, draws performers from all over the metro area, including Elmhurst’s Paul Canestro, directing for his seventh season.
Brooklynite Rob Sahn, after his triumphant performance as Tevye in the Players’ last production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” takes the stage in the role of King Mongkut of Siam, with Ana played by former Queens resident Judy Insinga.
Japan’s loss is Flushing’s gain, with Ayako Ibaraki in the role of Tuptim; while 40-year troupe veteran Rocky Carozzo plays Captain Orton and St. Andrew parishioner Steve London plays the king’s bodyguard, the Kralahome.
Among the children’s roles, St. Andrew Avellino School fourth grader Andrew Arceo plays the little prince with the big name, Chulalongkorn.
After a triumphant run on Broadway starting in 1951, the story of English tutor Ana Leonowens’ impact on the royal court of Siam was immortalized in a 1956 movie, starring Yul Brynner as the King, Deborah Kerr as Ana (with the voice of Marni Nixon singing) and Rita Moreno as Tuptim.
Performances will be Friday, April 24 and May 1 at 8 p.m.; Saturday April 25 and May 2 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 and May 3, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65-and-over and children 12-and-under.
For tickets or more information, call 917-753-8410 or email theandreanplayers@gmail.com.–Victor G. Mimoni
