The South African Red Cross Society has been fortunate to secure an opening night of the enormously popular Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s production of “The King and I”, on 5 October 2006, at Artscape.
 
Tickets are on special offer for R75 each, throughout the house. Proceeds of the evening go to support the programmes run by The South African Red Cross Society.
 
For this small contribution, patrons can expect an extravaganza for the senses – richly textured costumes and backdrops, and most importantly, beautiful voices and music. Mike Tainton, Acting Secretary General of The South African Red Cross Society, said: “We are delighted to be associated with the Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society once again. Audiences will not be disappointed – the Cape Town G&S Society have outdone themselves, and it promises to be an unforgettable, magical evening!”
 
This is the fourth time that the Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society has taken to the stage to present a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical and it promises to be a treat for the ears and eyes. 
 
The show is based on the book “Anna and the King of Siam” by Margaret Landon which was also recently adapted into a most successful film starring Jodie Foster and Yun-Fat Chow.
 
East meeting West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination. Set in 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, with her young son, arrives at the Royal Palace in Bankok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The king is largely considered to be a barbarian by those in the West and he seeks Anna’s assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and eventually respect one another, in a truly unique love story,
 
Julie Dickson and Tracey Petersen will share the roll of Mrs Anna Leonowens, while Shaun Browne and John Carne share that of the King. Other important roles are played by Clifford Graham, Ralph Thornley, Lisa Smith, Adri Louw, Phoebe Snayer, Janine Magnin, Selim Kagee, Riaan Hunter, Nicholas Smith,
Douglas Middlebrook,  Jabu Hallinan and Dino Kareklas.
 
The production, which boasts two full alternating casts from the smallest child to the main leads, will be directed and choreographed by Kyla Thorburn with musical direction by Bill Holland. David Davidson has designed the lavish oriental settings.  Jerome Robins’ choreography for the ballet will be recreated by Roxy Levy, with costumes managed by  Glenda Carmiachael. The lighting and sound design is by Faheem Bardien and Tony Madikani respectively.
 
It all adds up to an unmissable extravaganza – with the added advantage of assisting The South African Red Cross Society to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people of our country.
 

Please support The South African Red Cross Society benefit performance of the King and I on Thursday, 5 October at Artscape! Bookings may be made through Melanie Jackson on (021) 418 6640, or on the website www.redcross.org.za (online booking from 5 September). Tickets will be collected at the entrance to the theatre on the night.
 
Issued by:   Melanie Jackson
Information Dissemination and Communication Officer, SARCS
Tel: 27 21-418 6640

Mobile: 082 852 0731