Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

The St. Gregory’sTheatreGrouphas done community theater for 31 years, advised Deacon Mickey Cutter and Kathy Rollo-Ferrara, SGTG’s moderator and co-founder, respectively. And now, Ms. Rollo- Ferraro has directed the musical The King and I, on its final week at the Gregorian Hall in Bellerose, NY.

With live music and impressive set design and costumes, this production stars Jerome Amanquiton as the King of Siam, based on King Mongkut in the mid-1800s—he of the scientific bent, aware of Abraham Lincoln, and seeking to bring his kingdom into the modern era while weighed down by tradition and self-doubt, and Gina Naomi Baez as Miss Anna—the no-nonsense but ultimately romantic teacher and widow. They excel in fleshing out their lead characters, supported by a cast seemingly of hundreds (of all ethnic backgrounds!), ranging from the King’s kids to the Young Lovers to the jaded Prime Minister.

Amanquiton, who works outside the theater as a physical therapist but continues to live the dream as a musical performer, is extremely excited at this major role, as evidenced by his posting on Facebook. He also performed at the Jersey City Philippine Festival in June, performing a duet from Miss Saigon, and a medley with other Fil-American talents from musical theater, called Broadway Barkada, who were gracious enough to accept this writer’s invitation to that festival.

He has performed in productions of Miss Saigon (Thuy), Rent (Paul and as Angel understudy) and Denial! Time To Face The Musical, and now he’s thrilled at people coming up to him after the shows to congratulate him.

"I just feel so grateful," Jerome concludes, remarking on the "amazing opportunity" to work with the cast, and cheerful with the on-stage chemistry with Ms. Baez (indeed they shall dance at the end).

Director Rollo-Ferraro beams in speaking of Jerome, "Not only is he an outstanding singer, but he is such a wonderful down-to-earth person."

The musical is of course best known for Yul Brynner (on stage and film), and for Deborah Kerr in the movie and Gertrude Lawrence (for whom the part of Miss Anna was written) on stage. Filipino star Lea Salonga also performed in a recording with Julie Andrews and Sir Ben Kingsley (he of Indian-British ancestry).