King and I Meet The Cast | Drury Lane Theatre – Official Site
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Meet The Cast of

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S
THE KING AND I

BETSY MORGAN

ADAM JACOBS

CHRISTINE BUNUAN

PAULINA YEUNG

ETHAN LE PHONG

BRADEN CROTHERS

NOLAN MADDOX

MATTHEW UZARRAGA

KARMANN BAJUYO

VICTOR HOLSTEIN

KRISTINE BENDUL

CHIH-JOU CHENG

MAI CLAYPOOL

HANNAH FERNANDES

ALBERT HSUEH

KENWAY HON WAI K. KUA

KEVIN KULP

ANTHONY CHRISTOPHER MILFELT

NICH O’NEIL

YUKI OZEKI

AURORA PENEPACKER

RICHEL MARI RUIZ

GARRETT SHIN

AYANA STRUTZ

MARISSA SWANNER

MICHIKO TAKEMASA

AVELYN CHOI

DANTE GARCIA

ENZO GARCIA

ELLE LAROCO

VIN LAROCO

RIKA NISHIKAWA

ALEXANDRYA SALAZAR

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DRURY LANE THEATRE

100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Box Office: +1 (630) 530-0111

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DRURY LANE THEATRE

BIOGRAPHY

BETSY MORGAN (Anna Leonowens) Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Betsy is overjoyed to be returning to Drury Lane for the first time in many years.  Broadway credits include The King and I, Les Miserables, A Little Night Music, The Little Mermaid, and High Fidelity.  Off Broadway credits include Sweeney Todd (Barrow Street, Lucille Lortel Award nomination), First Daughter Suite (The Public), Found (Atlantic), Bernarda Alba (LCT), and The Fantasticks.  Betsy has spent two decades working with Michael John LaChuisa, performing in five of his shows.  Most recently, she was seen in PigPen Theatre Company’s production of The Tale of Despereaux at The Old Globe and Berkeley Rep.  This performance is for my Mom and Dad, Jack and Susan.  Thank you for everything.  It’s good to be home.

BIOGRAPHY

ADAM JACOBS (The King of Siam) is most known for originating the role of “Aladdin” in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway for which he received a Drama Desk and Grammy nomination.   Other Broadway credits include “Simba” in The Lion King, and “Marius” in Les Miserables.  Favorite regional credits include: US Premiere of Zorro at Alliance Theatre (Suzi nomination), Once On This Island at Paper Mill Playhouse, and Something Rotten at the Marriott Theatre, IL. TV: Soundtrack, Chicago Med, The Bachelorette, The 68th Annual Tony Awards, Good Morning America.  BFA Theater from NYU.  Adam’s solo album, Right Where I Belong featuring songs of Alan Menken, is available on iTunes and Spotify. @AdamJacobsNYC

BIOGRAPHY

CHRISTINE BUNUAN (Lady Thiang) would like to welcome you back to Live Theatre.  She was last seen in the world premiere of Mr. Dicken’s Hat at Northlight Theatre.  Her credits include Gigi in the 30th Anniversary Broadway Tour of Miss Saigon and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.  Christine has also been seen on many Chicago stages such as Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire, Silk Road Rising, TimeLine, Mercury Chicago, Goodman, Steppenwolf and many more.  During the pandemic, Christine made co-star appearances on Chicago PD, The Chi and most recently Somebody Somewhere on HBO.  Visit www.ChristineBunuan.com for more fun facts.  Much love and thanks to the Stew Crew, her family and especially her husband, Sean, who is Something Wonderful.

BIOGRAPHY

PAULINA YEUNG (Tuptim) is excited to be making her Drury Lane debut. National tour: The King and I (Tuptim). International credits: The King and I UK and International Tour (Tuptim), The Magic Flute (First Lady/Opera Hong Kong), The Mikado (Peep-Bo/The Philippine Opera Company). Recordings: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Cambodia Agonistes. Outside of performing, Paulina loves baking and enjoys teaching music and singing. Shoutout to Bobbie and Deborah at TEG and sending much love to my family in Asia. Website: www.paulinayeung.com IG: @paulinanastasha

BIOGRAPHY

ETHAN LE PHONG (Lun Tha) Broadway: Miss Saigon, Aladdin (u/s Aladdin). West End, London: Miss Saigon (Thuy), Royal Albert Hall’s King & I (Lun Tha), National Theatre’s South Pacific (Abner), OWEC of We Will Rock You, OWEC of Thoroughly Modern Millie, OWEC of Aladdin (u/s Aladdin), Jerry Springer the Opera. Favorite theatre Credits: Allegiance (Sammy) Manoa Valley Theatre and East West Players; East West Players’ Pippin (Pippin), Hollywood Bowl’s Les Misérables (Montparnasse) and RENT, National tour of Mamma Mia (Pepper); Film/TV: Little Britain USA, Waiting in the Wings, Big Gay Love. To my family, I love you!

BIOGRAPHY

BRADEN CROTHERS (Louis Leonowens) is thrilled to return to Drury Lane where he was first seen as Tiny Tim in “A Christmas Carol”! A seventh grader who loves reading, science, singing, and tap dancing, Braden has been acting and modeling since he was three years old. Favorite roles include Boy Scrooge/Mathew Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (Milwaukee Rep), Gavroche in Les Misérables (Grayslake Central High School) and Nigel in Matilda (Woodstock Opera House). Enormous thanks to Mom, Dad, his four siblings, grandparents, his amazing agents at DDO, and all his incredible teachers/mentors, especially ATC, STEPS, Matt, Phil, Michael, Denise, and Valerie!

BIOGRAPHY

NOLAN MADDOX (Alternate Louis Leonowens) is thrilled to be back at Drury Lane!  You last saw him as Tommy in Matilda! the Musical. Other regional credits: Young Charlie in Kinky Boots at Paramount Theatre. Nipper/Artful Dodger (select) in Oliver! at Marriott Theatre. Nolan would like to thank Dawn and the entire Gray Talent Group for their endless support. Nolan also wants to thank Tina, Cameron, and the incredibly talented staff at Bravo Performing Arts Academy – the award-winning public middle school theatre program.  Support theater education, it makes a difference! Lastly, to Charlotte, thank you for being my biggest fan! Instagram: nolanmaddoxsings

BIOGRAPHY

MATTHEW UZARRAGA (Prince Chulalongkorn) returns to Drury Lane Theatre where he was last seen as Gavroche in Les Misérables and Workhouse Boy/Pick Pocket in Oliver!; Other Chicago area credits: Crutchie in Newsies and Prince Chulalongkorn in The King and I at Marriott Theatre; Walter in the world premiere of Trevor the Musical at Writers Theatre; John Webster in Shakespeare in Love, Flounder in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and Young Shrek/Baby Bear in Shrek the Musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Prince Chulalongkorn in The King and I at Lyric Opera of Chicago; Schwartz in A Christmas Story the Musical and Children’s Chorus in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Paramount Theatre. Matthew recently hosted several segments of Disney’s Around the World in 60 Seconds. Love and thanks to his parents, brother, and Stewart Talent. Trust HIS plan. Jer.29:11. More at www.MatthewUzarraga.com

BIOGRAPHY

KARMANN BAJUYO (The Kralahome) is making his Drury Lane Oakbrook debut and couldn’t be more excited!  Chicago credits: WIFE OF A SALESMAN (Writer’s Theatre); THE KING AND I (Porchlight Theatre); WILD BOAR, THE HUNDRED FLOWERS PROJECT (Silk Road Rising); F**KING MEN, MAHAL (Bailiwick Chicago); SHREW’D (First Folio); WHISPER HOUSE (Black Button Eyes).  Regional/Tours:  THE KING AND I (Timberlake Playhouse); DEFAMATION (Canamac). TV: CHICAGO PD; POWERS. Film:  CRITICAL NEXUS; BASTARD SON OF A THOUSAND FATHERS; THANKS MOM; SEARCHING FOR YOO.  Karmann has appeared in several national commercials and voiced numerous commercial and industrial spots.  Karmann is represented by Paonessa Talent.

BIOGRAPHY

VICTOR HOLSTEIN (Captain Orton/Sir Edward Ramsey) is honored to be working at Drury Lane for the first time. Chicago Theatre: Bug (Steppenwolf); Oslo (TimeLine); Incomplete Conversations (Silent Theatre Company); Southern Gothic (Windy City Playhouse); The Merry Wives of Windsor (First Folio); The Little Dog Laughed (About Face). Film: Man/Kind, The Artist, There’s Nothing Going on with Me and Sandra. Television: Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, Days of Our Lives, iCarly, General Hospital, Important Things with Demetri Martin & Las Vegas. Education: BA, Columbia College Chicago; Second City Hollywood Conservatory.

BIOGRAPHY

KRISTINE BENDUL (Ensemble, Eliza) is thrilled to debut at Drury Lane Theatre. When last in Chicago, she danced as a principal for Ron De Jesus Dance. With 13 Broadway production credits to her name, her favorite credits include Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Asst. Choreo/Partnering Consultant), Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away (original cast) and Movin’ Out (Helen Hayes nomination), Swing (original cast), and The King and I revival with Lou Diamond Phillips & Donna Murphy. Other memorable credits include Carnegie Hall, the Academy Awards, the Tony’s, Baz Luhrman’s The Get Down, NBC’s Smash, and numerous music videos, commercials and films. www.kristinebendul.com

BIOGRAPHY

CHIH-JOU CHENG (Ensemble) is an international artist from Taiwan. She is beyond thrilled to make her Drury Lane debut with The King and I! Her most recent credits include Newsies as co-choreographer (Music House) and A Chorus Line as Connie Wong (Metropolis PAC). She is also a physical theatre artist and a puppeteer and has created several devised physical theatre works, including Arriving at Dawn, Above the Water, and Hold your Hand. You can check out more of her work at: chihjou-cheng.com  Have faith and carry on~

BIOGRAPHY

MAI CLAYPOOL (Ensemble) has danced with Schaumburg dance ensemble (Schaumburg), Lyric Opera of Chicago (Chicago), Florida Dance Theatre (Lakeland), Metropolitan Ballet (Minneapolis), and Ajkun Ballet Theatre (New York). Claypool’s performances also include The King and I (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Annie (Lakeland Community Theatre). Her diverse dance repertoire ranges from classic roles such as Aurora/Sleeping Beauty, Kitri/ Don Quixote, Myrtha/Giselle, and Sugar Plum Fairy/The Nutcracker to many contemporary works. A former student of Matsuyama Ballet School in Tokyo, the Joffrey Ballet School, and the Connecticut Ballet. Claypool has taught for ballet schools and companies nationwide. She currently teaches at Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Ballet Arts

BIOGRAPHY

HANNAH FERNANDES (Intimacy Director) is so grateful to be back again at Drury Lane, this time as part of the production team! Her most recent Intimacy Direction credits include The Pajama Game and Lysistrata at Viterbo University, where she also taught acting. NOTABLE CREDITS: LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO- Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel u/s, September 17-October 7th 2022; DRURY LANE- King & I (Anna u/s), Steel Magnolias (Shelby/Annelle); MTWichita- Carousel (Carrie); Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma- Disney’s When You Wish (Jasmine). EDUCATION: Wichita State University, Maggie Flanigan Studio, IDC Professionals. Many thanks to the original inhabitants of this land, the Indigenous tribes: Kiikaapoi, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Bodwéwadmi, Myaamia, Hoocąk, and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ. All my love and gratitude to the team at Drury for having me back! HANNAHLFERNANDES.COM

BIOGRAPHY

ALBERT HSUEH (Swing) is thrilled to make his Drury Lane debut. Originally from Taiwan, he has been working as a performer internationally. Off Broadway: Anything Goes (Theater Row), Romance Of The Western Chamber (Tada! Theater). Regional: The King And I as Prince (La Comedia), Chicago, Gypsy (Arizona Broadway Theatre), A Christmas Story (Midtown Art Center), Anything Goes(Mac Haydn Theater). International tour: Mamma Mia! (China) Made In China (Norway), Miss Taiwan (China) and numerous original shows in Taiwan. IG: Alberthsueh1216

BIOGRAPHY

KENWAY HON WAI K. KUA (Ensemble, Phra Alak, Simon of Legree) Broadway: Wicked, The Frogs. National Tour: Aladdin, Mary Poppins, Flower Drum Song. Regional Theatre: 9 to 5, H2$, Waterfall, Cinderella, Pacific Overtures, Miss Saigon. IG:@kenwaykua

BIOGRAPHY

KEVIN KULP (Ensemble, Angel George) National Tours: Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, A Christmas Story the Musical. NY Theatre: Cinderella (NAAP, Ailey Citigroup Theatre) Regional Theatre: The Little Mermaid (Walnut Street Theatre) Matilda (Walnut Street Theatre) Anything Goes (The Marriott Theatre & The Palace Theatre) Miss Saigon (Signature Theatre & Walnut St.) Newsies (Arts Center CC) The King and I (Olney Theatre & Walnut St.) All Shook Up & South Pacific (Flat Rock Playhouse) Love to Mom, Dad & Scott. IG @Kulpy

BIOGRAPHY

ANTHONY CHRISTOPHER MILFELT (Ensemble) is excited to make his Chicagoland theatre debut in Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s The King & I here at Drury Lane! Previously, he was seen at Meyer’s Dinner Theatre in Oliver! and A Christmas Story. Prior to that he sailed the high seas with Oceania Cruises. A fun fact is that the only continent he hasn’t set foot on is Antarctica! Actor Website: AnthonyMilfelt.Wixsite.com/AnthonyMilfelt

BIOGRAPHY

NICH O’NEIL (Ensemble) is thrilled to not only be returning to the stage but to Drury Lane. They have had the privilege of being a part of Drury Lane’s productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Gad/swing) as well as Mamma Mia (US Eddie/ensemble).  You might have also seen Nich out at the Paramount Theater in their productions of The Wizard of Oz (Nikko/ensemble), Newsies (Albert), and Beauty and the Beast (ensemble).  Nich would love to give a shout out to his family and friends for their unwavering support throughout their career. IG – @findyoniche

BIOGRAPHY

YUKI OZEKI (Ensemble, Dance Captain, Associate Choreographer)Originally from Tokyo, now living in NYC. Yuki was the Assistant Choreographer for several productions of Lincoln Center Theater’s THE KING AND I, including the West End’s The Palladium, and the US and UK/ International Tours. BROADWAY: LCT’s THE KING AND I (Dance Captain, Swing.) NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL TOURS: THE KING AND I (Dance Captain, Topsy, Singer Swing, Tuptim U/S,) MISS SAIGON (Dance Captain, Swing.) Other favorite credits include A CHORUS LINE, HELLO DOLLY!, and SUGAR BABIES. NYU: Dance Education. Thrilled to be venturing to the stage, [ST1] and much gratitude to Alan, Darren, and Drury Lane Theatre.

BIOGRAPHY

AURORA PENEPACKER (Ensemble) is elated to make her Drury Lane debut! She earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Now signed with Stewart Talent, she continues to live and perform in Chicago. Her favorite recent roles have included Luisa in The Fantasticks at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest and Maria in West Side Story at the Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter, Michigan. Rory sends all love and thanks to her wonderful family, friends, Mama & Papa, and Evan.

BIOGRAPHY

RICHEL MARI RUIZ (Ensemble)is thrilled to return to Siam. Born and raised in the Philippines. National Tour: The King and I (Angel/George). Regional: Tarzan (Moonlight Musicals), Carousel (Gulf Coast Symphony), South Pacific (Wick Theatre). Ballet: American Ballet Theatre, Anaheim Ballet, Ballet Palm Beach, American Swiss Ballet. Theme Parks: Disneyland, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Hersheypark. Much love to my family, friends, Kara, Dru and Gus. Special thanks to Yuki Ozeki and Equinox. @onlyboyinballet

BIOGRAPHY

GARRETT SHIN (Ensemble)  is a NYC based performer and is thrilled to be making his Chicago debut with Drury Lane! Regional: Elf (Ens.) at The Argyle Theatre, Cabaret (Victor, Emcee u/s) at WPPAC, Jesus Christ Superstar (Ens.) at NCC Summer Theatre. NYU Steinhardt VP Class of 2021. Garrett is also a 200-hour registered yoga teacher and teaches with CorePower Yoga. Love and gratitude always to Mom, Dad, Jon, and Otis.

BIOGRAPHY

AYANA STRUTZ (Ensemble, Topsy) is a dancer, circus artist, and island girl from Honolulu, Hawaii. National Tour: Broadway’s The SpongeBob Musical (First National Tour). Chicago: The Music Man (Goodman Theatre), Holiday Inn (Drury Lane Theatre), A Chorus Line (Porchlight Music Theatre), Peter Pan (Music Theater Works). Regional: “Charlotte” in Charlotte’s Web (Arden Theatre Company), Pippin (Skylight Music Theatre), A Chorus Line (Short North Stage), Legally Blonde, Hairspray, The King and I, Crazy For You (Diamond Head Theatre). TV: Season 1 of NBC’s Frogger. Thanks and love to Jon, Miko and Lupin! Ayana is proudly repped by Gray Talent Group. www.ayanastrutz.com

BIOGRAPHY

MARISSA SWANNER (Swing) ) is so excited to make her return to the stage for the first time since the pandemic! She has many credits some of which include: South Pacific- Liat, All Shook Up- Featured Dancer/Ensemble, Breakfast at Tiffany’s- Holly Golightly, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers- Milly, A Chorus line- Vicky/Connie & Judy us., Bakkhai- Bakkhai. She is incredibly honored to be here among such incredible talent and even better people.  She would like to thank God first and foremost for this wonderful opportunity. Marissa is thankful for the unrelenting support of her Mother, Father, and siblings as well

BIOGRAPHY

MICHIKO TAKEMASA (Ensemble, Eva) Broadway: The King and I (OBC, Little Eva, Eliza u/s) at LIncoln Center Theater. National Tour (2005/2016): The King and I (Eliza/Little Eva/Eliza u/s). Regional: Sacramento Music Circus, NSMT, Casa Mañana, Arkansas Rep, Gateway Playhouse, and more. International: Oliver! Fiddler on the roof. Short Film: Spirit Box. Victoria Ballet Theater; Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Esmeralda, Paquita.

BIOGRAPHY

AVELYN CHOI (Royal Child)grew up with strong musical influences and education, with each member of her maternal side a lifelong musician. She has studied piano at the Music Institute of Chicago since the age of 3, and is passionately involved as a singer and dancer at the Dance & Music Academy, of which she is a member of the Company. She is silly and fun-loving at heart, but focused and poised. When she is not performing, Avelyn loves to bike, swim, draw, read, and spend time with her family and friends. Avelyn is represented by The Rock Agency.

BIOGRAPHY

DANTE GARCIA (Royal Child) is beyond excited about his Drury Lane Debut with his younger brother Enzo! Dante is in 4th grade & loves to act and dance but most importantly sing. When Dante is not performing, he is an avid reader, a hockey player, and loves to spend time with family & friends. Dante is represented by Big Mouth Talent.

BIOGRAPHY

ENZO GARCIA (Royal Child) since the age of  4 has loved to sing & dance. He is so ecstatic about his Drury Lane Debut with his older brother, Dante. Enzo is a first grader filled with energy who loves to draw & play hockey. The most favorite thing is to spend time with his family, including his backyard chickens. Enzo is represented by Big Mouth Talent.

BIOGRAPHY

ELLE LAROCO (Royal Child) is a 7-year-old first grader from Chicago. She is a born performer, singing and dancing even before she started walking. She dreams of becoming an actress and a lawyer. Elle is a Pro-2 swimmer, pianist and gymnast. You may have seen her in American Girl doll ads among others. This is her first theater experience and she is thrilled to be in King & I with her twin brother.

BIOGRAPHY

VIN LAROCO (Royal Child) is a 7-year-old first grader from Chicago. He loves to sing, dance and perform. He dreams of becoming a book author and illustrator. Vin is a Pro-1 swimmer, pianist and basketball player. He has appeared in ad campaigns, King & I, is his first theater adventure and he is excited to be in it with his twin sister.

BIOGRAPHY

RIKA NISHIKAWA (Royal Child, Uncle Thomas)is excited to return to Drury Lane!  Her Broadway credit includes The Lion King (Disney Theatrical).  Her Chicago credits include A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre); The King and I (Lyric Opera of Chicago, Marriott Theatre); Annie Warbucks (Theatre at the Center); South Pacific (Drury Lane Theatre); Balm in the Gilead (Griffin Theatre), Macbeth (Lyric Opera of Chicago).  She sang at US Open Tennis as an anthem singer and at fundraisers and cultural events.  She loves reading and writing, winning awards from EPA, UNESCO Center For Peace, US District Court, New York Times, and multiple others.

BIOGRAPHY

ALEXANDRYA SALAZAR (Royal Child, Princess Yaowalak)  is excited to be making her Drury Lane debut! Her first role was as understudy for the role of Sorrow for Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at The Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2020-2021. Alexandrya was recently in Solaris as The Child at The Raven Theater. She is 8 years old, a print model and has done commercials and voice over projects. Much love to her parents for their love & support. Thanks to her family and friends for all their encouragement. Special thanks to her teachers/coaches for their guidance and her agents at Big Mouth Talent for believing in her.