Diablo Light Opera Opens 'King and I' On February 13 for 18 Performances

With a cast of nearly 50 singers and dancers backed by a 23-piece orchestra, the Diablo Light Opera Company will present the Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic Tony Award-winning musical, "The King and I," opening February 13.

The show will run for 18 performances, including five matinees, through March 13 in the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, in Walnut Creek.

After the February 13 and February 14 performances, audiences will be invited to enjoy complimentary champagne and chocolates as part of a Valentines Day celebration and in keeping with the romantic theme of the show.

"We're thrilled with every aspect of this show, from the enormously talented cast to the beautiful costumes and stunning sets," said producer Ellen Smith. "With songs like 'Getting to Know You,' 'I Whistle a Happy Tune,' and 'Hello Young Lovers,' it's a show the whole family will enjoy."

And speaking of families, the cast includes an entire family -- the Neimans of Pleasant Hill. Dad Eric plays Sir Edward and Mom Amy, who appeared in a previous Diablo Light Opera Company production of the musical, is a Royal Wife. The couple's daughters and son--Aria, 3; Amanda 6, and Evan, 8--are Royal Children. The Neimans met when both appeared in the company's production of "Candide" in 1993.

In the title role is Curt Denham, last seen in Walnut Creek in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." Lindsey (CQ) Murray, who has appeared in Center Repertory Company productions, will play Anna. Other principals include Nicholas Tsai as the prince, Austin Ku as Lun Tha, Rizza Quinio as Tuptim, and Melinda Meeng as Lady Thiang.

The production is directed by Dennis Lickteig, who made Rodgers and Hammer stein a focus of his academic musical studies in college. He has directed shows for Contra Costa Musical Theatre, including "Sunday in the Park With George." Cheryl Yee Glass is the musical director.

This marks Diablo Light Operas third production of "The King and I." The company first produced the show in its 1967-68 season and again in the 1984-85 season.

"The King and I," based on Margaret Landon's book "Anna and the King of Siam," opened on Broadway in 1951 and won four Tony Awards, including best musical and best score. The story revolves around the relationship between the king of Siam and the widowed British schoolteacher Anna Leonowens during the 1860s.

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PERFORMANCE TIMES AND DATES FOR 'KING AND I'

Evenings at 8 p.m.: February 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, and March 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13.
Matinees at 2 p.m.: February 22, 28, 29 and March 6.

The 2 p.m. performance on February 28 is a "Family Special," with one child up to age 18 admitted free with the purchase of two regular priced tickets.