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Eighty children take part in LTFR musical

By Lorraine Lucciola, Standard-Times correspondent

It's good to be king, especially for Paul Allard, who plays the coveted role in the Little Theatre of Fall River's much-anticipated production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I." The musical opens at 8 tonight at Bristol Community College's Margaret L. Jackson Arts Center.
"This is the most gratifying thing I've done since Teyve in 'Fiddler on the Roof,' the pinnacle of roles," Mr. Allard says, with an obvious reverence for the plum roles he has created for Little Theatre and other performing groups.
"This is a key role for someone like me," he adds. Mr. Allard has a remarkable, resonant baritone voice that can, quite simply, melt a glacier. "This is not a singer's role," he notes. "So, I've got to think a lot. He (the King) is in conflict all the time, but he likes to be challenged."
East meets West in this classic musical, set in Siam. The widowed Anna Leonowens travels with her young son, Louis, from England, to teach the English language and social customs to children and adults who live within a very rigid culture. She finds that her most stubborn, and ultimately her most-prized, pupil is the King of Siam, himself.
"He's a vulnerable king," says Mr. Allard. "He definitely falls in love with Anna."
Tracy Leigh Gendreau, as Anna, returns to the Little Theatre stage after a four-year absence. "I'm a wife, a mother, a homemaker and a speech pathologist ... but there was a piece missing," says Mrs. Gendreau.
Little Theatre audiences have surely missed what director Jeff Belanger refers to as "that voice!" Mrs. Gendreau's sublime vocal range, emotional phrasing and delivery can rouse or soothe the sensitivities of diverse listeners.
Andrew Correia plays Anna's son, Louis. "This is my biggest lead," says the mature 13-year-old actor. He says the British accent is "new to him," although in his last role, as John in BCC's outdoor production of "Peter Pan," he had to affect a similar accent.
As Louis, he says he "looks around" at his new surroundings, trying to assimilate the cultural differences. He says he particularly likes the "boat scene" and the number "Whistle A Happy Tune."
Both Andrew and Jacob Miller, also 13, who plays Prince Chululongkorn, worked together in last year's production of the musical "Oliver!" also directed by Mr. Belanger. The show was a landmark for Little Theatre because of its high-caliber performances, audience appeal and overwhelming success at the box office.
Jake played the important role of The Artful Dodger in that show. "I'm the snobby one in the 'King and I,' not Louis. I like being the center of attention," he admits.
With a well-deserved reputation preceding him, Mr. Belanger sought the direction of "The King and I."
"After 'Oliver!' parents kept asking me what the next show for kids would be," recounts Mr. Belanger. "Only I would volunteer to deal with a crowd this size."
The cast of "The King and I" numbered 175 right after auditions and casting decisions were announced. That number has since whittled down to a final count of a mere 134 performers, 80 of whom are children. "There are, after all, 23 wives, the royal dancers -- the teenage girls -- and, of course, the kids," the director explains with characteristic humor and charm.
Maryann Goulart plays "head wife" Lady Thiang. "She's a classic 'stand-by-your-man' kind of woman," says Mrs. Goulart. She sings the heartrending song, "Something Wonderful" in which she vows to "protect and defend" her husband. This will undoubtedly prove to be one of those show-stopping moments, created by this compassionate actress, whose voice is powerful and strong. The score also includes "Getting to Know You," "Hello, Young Lovers," "Shall We Dance?" "A Puzzlement," "March of the Siamese Children" and other memorable songs.
Karen Faxon plays concubine Tuptim, opposite John Ashley as LunTha. Musical direction is by Jane Fiore Bigelow, with choreography by Janice MacDonald. Costumes are by Fran Petisca and Tom Marcello. Kathy Castro is stage manager.
The Little Theatre of Fall River's production of "The King and I" will be presented at 8 tonight through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Jackson Arts Center at BCC, 333 Elsbree St., Fall River. Tickets are $15, $12 for students and seniors and $5 for children 12 years old and under. For reservation information call (508) 675-1852.

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