THE KING AND I Earns Three LCT Awards

Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center’s Production of THE KING AND I in Concert Earns Three League of Cincinnati Theatres Awards

Lee Merrill plays the role of Anna opposite of Broadway veteran Ronn K. Smith as The King in a concert staging of the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical THE KING AND I. Photo by Matt Steffen.

(CINCINNATI, JAN. 25, 2012)– The League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) has recognized Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center’s production of The King and I in Concert, produced in collaboration with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, with three awards. Panelists praised cast members Ronn K. Smith, Lee Merrill and Teresa De Zarn for their performances.

Merrill portrays Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher hired by the King of Siam (Smith) to educate his children. As time passes, the two overcome their collision of cultures and traditions to develop a deep friendship and, ultimately, unspoken love. The original production of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, which features songs including “Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Shall We Dance” and “Getting to Know You,” earned five Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical.

Merrill and Smith received recognition, respectively, as leading actress and actor in a musical. According to one panelist, “Both performers were strong, believable and had wonderful chemistry with each other.”

De Zarn also was singled out with an award for featured actress in a musical for her portrayal of Lady Thiang. “Her song ‘Something Wonderful’ was truly something wonderful,” said one panelist. “She has an excellent and clear voice but she ‘acted’ the song to a level of poignancy that I rarely experience.”

The King and I in Concert continues weekends through Jan. 29. Details and ticket information can be found at http://www.thecarnegie.com.

The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at http://www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.