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?King and I’ opens Nov. 2

Waupaca High School will open its musical production of “The King and I” Sunday, Nov. 2, for a run of four performances.

Shows are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4; 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6; and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.

“The King and I” is a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, with such memorable songs as “I Whistle A Happy Tune,” “Getting To Know You” and “Shall We Dance?”

The story is based on the 1944 novel “Anna and The King” by Margaret Landon and was adapted to a Broadway show in 1956.

It won multiple Tony Awards, running for 1,246 performances.

This past week, nearly 200 students put the finishing touches on WHS’s musical presentation.

The cast has been working both in class and in weeknight and weekend rehearsals to present this classic tale.

The entire Concert Choir is involved in this production, whether it be on stage, as a member of the tech or stage crew or in the orchestra. Many other students are also involved in the project by building and painting sets, doing makeup or ushering the audience to their seats.

Parents have been instrumental in their support with extra rehearsals, sewing costumes, providing snacks and planning the cast party.

The magic of the theater would not be possible without the work of the leads, co-leads, pit band, dancers, chorus, artists, stage and make-up crew and usher crew.

No other single event in the high school combines and utilizes the talents of so many departments and members of the student body.

This year’s production staff includes Jackie McGinnis as drama director, choreographer, set designer and costume director; Wanda Eikenbary as accompanist; Mark Kryshak as pit band director; Monica Reeves as make-up director; Rachel Akey as set painter/creative consultant; David Larson in charge of set construction; Mark Otte as lighting designer; Julie Austin, Ronda Neidert and Cindy McGinnis assisting with sewing costumes; Cindy Ikert as business manager; and Kathy Alan as musical director/producer.

Alan, the new choral director at WHS, is thrilled with the progress that has been made in preparing for this production.

“It is an extreme pleasure to work with such talented students. The lead actors are really working hard to present their characters at the highest level. It is fun to see their dedication and instilled love of the theatrical stage.

“The community members who have assisted with programs, photography, T-shirts or the many other facets from ‘behind the scenes’ have all been wonderful in guiding me through the process of my first production here in Waupaca,” she said.

Tickets should be picked up at the high school office prior to the performances. Those people unable to pick them up may do so 45 minutes prior to curtain time.

The public is encouraged to call the high school office at 715-258-4131, ext. 1101 to reserve their seats.

There are seats left for every performance with the best seats available for Thursday’s performance.

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