The King and I: A Masterpiece Comes Together, Piece by Piece

Ever start to put together a puzzle, only to find out after hours, days, even weeks, that getting all those little pieces to fit in the right places is an all-consuming challenge?

But it sure looks beautiful when it’s completed.

That would describe Arlene Hawks’ world, only her puzzle challenge occurs daily, involving live pieces and moving parts.

Her latest is the upcoming Fox Valley Park District’s Summer Stage production of The King and I that will take the stage for four shows at the Paramount Theatre on July 22, 23 and 24.

Hawks is in her 17th year as Summer Stage director, and for the last few weeks, she’s been blending a large, diverse cast of 145 performers ranging in age from 7-year-olds to 50-somethings.

Included in the cast is Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, who will make a cameo appearance in both Saturday shows (3 and 7 p.m.).

“They (cast members) all started as a puzzle piece in a box, rumbling around inside there,” said Hawks. “Every week through rehearsals, more of those pieces have come together—and they’re fitting together quite nicely! When everything is done, what you’ll see is a beautiful montage of color, talent and script.”

A family favorite, the famous Rodgers & Hammerstein musical is set in Bangkok, Thailand (known then as Siam) in the early 1860s. It tells the story of Anna, an adventurous Englishwoman hired to serve as governess and tutor to King Mongkut’s many children.

Weisner will play Captain Orton, a seasoned English seafarer who brings Anna to Siam.

Anna and the King have many quarrels, and their cultural differences become more apparent as the play develops. But they eventually fall in love—though neither is able to express it—and Anna’s influence on the King helps democratize the country.

Aurorans Joe Rigaud and Stephanie Leo will play the King and Anna. Fittingly, Leo is a fifth-grade teacher at Fearn Elementary School, so her role is a reflection of her real-life job, albeit set in 1860.

The lead roles, like a puzzle itself, are complex and challenging, but Hawks is heartened by the talent and enthusiasm that are so prevalent among the cast.

“The moment a performer puts down their script is when they truly start to develop their character,” said Hawks. “It’s very rewarding to see performers make that progression and grow into their role.”

With a couple dozen songs infused into the performance, The King and I will feature a live pit orchestra, under the direction of East Aurora High School band director Brian Liska.

“They add a wonderful, melodic sound to the entire show,” said Hawks.

Hawks is not only directing; she’s educating the many young performers, staging daily contests that teach them more about the Thai culture they’ll be representing onstage.

It’s all in the name of creating four royal performances when the house lights dim and the stage lights shine next weekend at the Paramount.

“It will be a sight to behold,” promised Hawks. “The King and I is quite the legendary production, and we’re lucky to have a cast where everybody fits their role to a ‘T.’”

Just like the perfectly pieced puzzle.

Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. For tickets to The King and I, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org to order online, or call the Paramount Theatre box office at 630-896-6666.

What: Summer Stage performance of The King and I
When: July 22 (7 p.m.), July 23 (3 p.m. and 7 p.m.), July 24 (3 p.m.)
Where: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Tickets: $7–$13
Info: www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org