Menlo School stages 'King and I' Menlo School stages 'King and I' (April 27, 2005)

Pre-performance Thai banquet at Menlo School aids tsunami relief

By Kate Daly

Special to the Almanac

In the first part of May, Menlo School is staging "The King and I," bringing back an outdoor production after a one-year hiatus due to construction on campus.

Show director Beth Orr says the musical will be "a gorgeous show" with a cast of more than 50 students wearing custom-made costumes from Thailand, along with impressive set pieces such as a 12-foot tall Buddha and carved temple walls.

As in past years, the Atherton mansion, Stent Hall, will serve as a backdrop.

Menlo parent Vicki Coe arranged to have the costumes made in Bangkok, which, according to Ms. Orr, makes everyone feel good "to put something back into the country" after seeing it suffer from the tsunami damage last December.

The school community is also contributing to tsunami relief by hosting a pre-performance Thai banquet on Saturday, May 7, starting at 5:30 p.m. in Stent Hall.

Thai dancers will provide entertainment, while Menlo students work the event, featuring a buffet of seven main dishes.

Ms. Orr says proceeds from the gala benefit will be split between an orphanage in Bangkok that is taking care of young tsunami victims, and the Menlo drama department.

Tickets for the banquet are $30 for adults, $25 for students, and $15 for children under 10. There are higher-priced packages that include priority seating at that night's show and parking.

Otherwise, most people come early so they can spread out a blanket on the lawn and enjoy a picnic dinner before the 8 p.m. curtain time. Refreshments are sold, including hot chocolate to warm up the audience after dark.

Show tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Performances are May 6, 7, and 8 (starring the understudy cast), and May 13 and 15.

Rogers and Hammerstein's "The King and I" is based on a true story about an Englishwoman who arrives in Siam in the 1860s as a teacher to the royal court. There she develops a relationship with the King and they clash over ancient ways and the modern world. Among the favorite songs: "Getting to Know You" and "Shall We Dance?"

Many of the lead roles in this musical are played by seniors: Nelson Chen is the King; Jennifer Mitchell, Anna; Alexis Meredith, Tuptim; Zac Minor, Sir Edward; Somerset Perry, Kralohom; Alex Powar, Lum Tha; and Regan Riskas, Lady Thiang.

For Ms. Orr, who has taught drama for seven years, it's a treat to work with the seniors on their last show. She says a handful of Menlo seniors are going on to study theater and film in college in the fall. "They've found their passion, and it's very gratifying to have been their teacher," she says.

This show is the first time Ms. Orr has collaborated in a major performance with Menlo chorus teacher Linda Jordan, who is serving as musical director. Dance teacher Jan Chandler is the choreographer.

Reservations for the Thai banquet are available at the Menlo School bookstore; call 330-2000 x. 2535. Tickets for the show are also available at the bookstore, and by calling the box office: 330-2000 x 2333.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.