Young Thespians Sparkle in “The King and I”

Lower School students charmed the hearts of theatergoers on Friday, April 23 in a regal production of “The King and I.”

Although Rodgers and Hammerstein’s famous musical has enchanted audiences for close to 50 years, Ranney’s littlest thespians breathed new life in this popular story of English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son and their life at the Royal Palace in Bangkok. Based on the book “Anna and King of Siam,” by Margaret Landon, Anna has been hired to tutor the King of Siam’s many children and wives. While “The King and I” is a riveting exploration into the themes of East-West culture clashes, traditions and values, it also remains an uplifting tale that has withstood the test of time.

As in year’s past, this year’s Lower School spring musical was a perfect combination of contagious songs, dance, and brilliant costumes. Throughout the production, Ranney teachers, students, family and friends were thoroughly entertained by the superb artistry of Ranney’s young performers, in particular, Evan Schultz as Anna and Akash Verma as the King of Siam.

Directed by Ranney music teacher Lilly Torrente and co-directed by 3rd grade teacher Connie Congemi, the student production boasted a stellar cast of 21 fifth graders who served as principle characters and 14 fourth grade students who portrayed the King’s royal children. In addition, students had a hand in every part of the behind the scenes production, from set design, guided by Lower School art teacher Barbara Levine, to stage crew to sound and lighting, under the tutelage of music teacher of Kevin Cotter. In fact, according to Lower School Head Patricia Marshall, “All divisions pitched in to make sure the youngest students on campus had an experience they would never forget. It was absolutely a moment of pride for the school.”

The evening was a resounding success as audience members could be heard throughout Panther Hall softly humming along to such immortal songs like “Getting To Know You,” “I Have Dreamed,” “Shall We Dance?” and “Hello, Young Lovers.”

Bravo to the Lower School’s cast and crew for yet another fabulous presentation!

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.