I had the pleasure of seeing a wonderful, professional performance of The King and I — a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical 
performed by PPTOPA (Pembroke Pines Theatre of the Performing Arts) last week. The artful characters performed their hearts out at the Susan B. Katz Theatre, River of Grass Artspark, 17195 Sheridan Street, Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Popular songs of our day came from this musical: “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello, Young Lovers,” “Getting to Know You,” and “Shall We Dance?”
Katie Raleigh, ”Anna Leonowens,” has the voice of an angel. The King of Siam, played by Angelo Luis, (in his first leading role), takes command of the stage, and you cannot help but fall in love with this cranky, but loveable “height-challeged” character, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera . . . . There was attention to detail in the set as well as each and every costume. The pacing of this musical was extremely tight, and I am sure that is attributable to the director, Florence Andrews.
The children were a delight, both to the eyes and ears. What a wonderful, life-enhancing experience for them, and I reminisced to a time when I was eleven years old and performed in the children’s chorus of the opera Othello at the Memphis Little Theatre.
If you would like tickets, the performances run from April 11 through May 4, 2008. You will be proud of these talented folks who are hand-picked from our own backyard — people who give freely of their time and talent to such a wonderful art. Channel 10’s Kristi Krueger is the executive producer.
Surprising to me, PPTOPA has been performing for our community since 1993. It is a non-profit theatrical organization endeavoring “to be a vehicle for potential young stars.” You will see many young, as well as seasoned, talented actors and singers. There is opportunity for musicians as well because a live orchestra accompanies the performers.
PPTOPA will be performing Pirates of Penzance this summer, and the auditions begin in May of 2008. Next season will include such favorites as Oliver and South Pacific.
You may visit the website, http://www.PPTOPA.com, to order your e-tickets.
Supporting community theatre is a privilege. I wished I had been aware of its existence — I would have gotten involved long before now. 
See you there!