The St. Gregory’s Theatre Group has 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).
SGTG
St. Gregory’s Theatre Group has grown since 1980, in that span staging 29 musicals and ten comedies. With its mission of “To God Through Stage,” the group is a ministry that brings together families and especially youth of the St. Gregory the Great Catholic parish.
‘The King and I’ is based on the diaries of Anna Leonowens (Miss Anna in the production), which have been noted to have inaccuracies and would at any rate be representing pretty much only her side of the story. In addition, while Rodgers & Hammerstein took artistic license, rather than aimed at historical or cultural precision, the musical and movie have endured. (Understandably, the work itself is not allowed in Thailand, nor the updated and more ‘culturally sensitive’ Anna and the King that starred Jodie Foster.)
For kids and adults, the musical is a great vehicle to savor (or perform in) different songs and dances—one from which they can try to learn more about the real world after seeing the production.
Thus, it’s most fitting that Queens, with its multi-ethnic mix, is the scene of this current production. It should be used as a springboard for a thoughtful discussion of intercultural understanding in the modern world—of other cultures, colonialism, diversity, “etc., etc., etc.”—particularly for the youth who are in or will come to watch this musical. Indeed, a chance to be educated, as in Getting to Know You.
So drive, run or otherwise find your way to the Gregorian Hall for the last few performances to Whistle a Happy Tune or see a glimpse of Jerome Robbins based on his outstanding choreography in Small House of Uncle Thomas.
The King and I is presented by the St. Gregory’s Theatre Group on Aug. 13, 14 at 8pm and Aug. 15 at 2pm at the Gregorian Hall, 244-44 87th Ave., Bellerose (Queens), NY 11426. Advance ticket sales: $18 adults, $15 seniors, $7 children under 12/ $2 more at the door
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