Bishop Ireton Theater is presenting Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I" on April 4, and 5 in the school's Whaley Auditorium. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m.
Almost 60 students are performing in this production. Students spanning all four years of high school, from freshmen to seniors, are involved. This particular production also includes younger students from several area elementary schools such as St. Rita's, St. Michael's, St. Mary's, Queen of Apostles, and St. Columba's. Musical highlights include "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Hello, Young Lovers," "Getting to Know You," "I Have Dreamed," and "Shall We Dance," as well as the Jerome Robbins ballet, "The Small House of Uncle Thomas."
Many theater students at Bishop Ireton are taking advantage of the diverse drama classes offered through the Fine Arts Department. These classes cover a wide range of interests. They include Introduction to Theater, Acting I, Acting II, Advanced Theater Production, History of Costume and Design, Stage Crafts I, and Stage Crafts II.
Under the guidance of teachers and staff at Bishop Ireton, students are not only acting, singing, and dancing in this show, but they've also designed the set, the lighting, the sound, many of the costumes, and the props. Students have been involved from painting a backdrop for the show to acting as student directors and choreographers.