Exchange student from China in starring role in United play
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HANOVERTON--When the theater students at United Local take the stage this weekend, there will be a special guest leading the way.
Yuyang (Simon) Lin, a junior foreign exchange student from Beijing, China, will portray the king in the theater department's presentation of "The King and I" musical Friday through Sunday.
Based on the novel "Anna and the King of Siam," "The King and I" is the fifth musical by the Richard Rogers-Oscar Hammerstein II tandem. The musical's plot relates the experiences of Anna, a British schoolteacher hired as part of the King's drive to modernize his country. The relationship between the King and Anna is marked by conflict through much of the piece, as well as by a love that neither can admit.
Siam, now Thailand, is just south of China, providing the unique opportunity for a local musical department to have authenticity in the lead role.
The production marks the first theater experience for Yuyang, who said he has enjoyed every aspect of the experience.
"It's been great being involved in the play," he explained. "I like all the other arts (it includes), like dancing and singing."
It also has proven a great opportunity to learn in a different aspect of school life.
"It's been a good way to improve my English and get to know many people," he said.
And there's a shared experience with other students his age with the nerves they all are managing right now.
"I'm a little nervous, with getting on stage in front of everybody [during the preview performance today]," he said. "But it's still exciting; a little bit nervous, but kind of exciting."
Music director Cindy Neiswanger praised Yuyang's performance.
"He's been a joy to work with," she said. "He's taken on the persona of the king in a powerful way."
With musicals such a large part of the spring season at high schools in the area, Neiswanger said she is pleased Yuyang stepped up for the part as an exchange student.
"I can't see a better way for him to get involved in student life," she noted.
The remaining lead roles include Molly Conser as Anna, Daniel Shepard as The Kralahome, Ally Dunn as Tuptim, Noah Brieck as Captain Orton, Jonas Baker as Louis, Jakob Althouse as The Interpreter, Jacob Tolley as Phra Alack, Brooke Knight as Lady Thiang, Logan Wood as Prince Chulalongkorn, Kyla Hayashi as Princess Ying Yaowalak, Calbe Crowell as Lun Tha and Jonathan Wilson as Sir Edward Ramsey.
Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the high school auditorium
Tickets are available until noon Friday online at www.unitedboxoffice.org at $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. Tickets will also be available at the door at $11 for adults and $9 for students and senior citizens.
khowell@salemnews.net