Adam Jacobs, who created the title role in the Broadway production of Disney's Aladdin, is the King of Siam in Drury Lane Theatre's 2022-2023 season opener, The King and I.
Directed by Alan Paul with music direction by Tim Laciano and choreography by Darren Lee, the production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein favorite officially opens at the Illinois venue April 7 following previews that began April 1. Performances continue through May 22.
Jacobs is joined by Betsy Morgan as Anna Leonowens, Christine Bunuan as Lady Thiang, Paulina Yeung as Tuptim, Ethan Le Phong as Lun Tha, Braden Crothers as Louis Leonowens, Nolan Maddox as the alternate Louis Leonowens, Matthew Uzarraga as Prince Chulalongkorn, Karmann Bajuyo as The Kralahome, and Victor Holstein as Captain Orton/Sir Edward Ramsey.
The ensemble includes Kristine Bendul, Chih-Jou Cheng, Mai Claypool, Hannah Fernandes, Albert Hsueh, Kenway Hon Wai K. Kua, Kevin Kulp, Anthony Christopher Milfelt, Nich O’Neil, Yuki Ozeki, Aurora Penepacker, Richel Mari Ruiz, Garrett Shin, Marissa Swanner, Ayana Strutz, and Michiko Takemasa. The child ensemble includes Avelyn Choi, Dante Garcia, Enzo Garcia, Elle Laroco, Vin Laroco, Rika Nishikawa, and Alexandrya Salazar.
Based on Margaret Landon's Anna and the King of Siam, the classic musical has music by Richard Rodgers and a book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
The production also has associate choreography by Yuki Ozeki (dance captain of Lincoln Center's 2015 Broadway revival of the work), scenic design by Wilson Chin and Riw Rakkulchon, costume design by Izumi Inaba (based on the original design by Catherine Zuber), lighting design by Eric Southern, sound design by Ray Nardelli, properties design by Cassy Schillo, hair and wig design by Emily Young, and dialect coaching by Joy Lanceta Coronel with Matt Hawkins as the violence consultant.
The Drury Lane season also includes Steel Magnolias (June 10–July 21), Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express (August 31–October 23), Elf the Musical (November 9, 2022–January 8, 2023), and A Chorus Line (January 25–March 26).
