Over the past several years, choreographer/director Ben Lokey has worked on stages of just about every size and shape.
"Every theater has its own unique characteristics," Lokey said during an interview before rehearsals of "The King and I," which he is guest-directing for Hale Centre Theatre. The show opens Saturday.
The "King and I" players include Marvin Payne (making a rare appearance north of the Utah County border) single-cast as the King of Siam. "He decided early on not to worry about replicating the Yul Brynner performance," Lokey said. "The role of the King suits Marvin very well."
Also in the cast are Diana Dayley Bowler and Jennie Whitlock, sharing the role of British widow Anna Leonowens, with Derick Rodgers and Tyler Hornacek alternating as her son, Louis.
Two former "Kings" from Rodgers Memorial Theatre's recent production are also in the cast: Craig Bowen, as the Kralahome, and Dave Petersen, who is sharing the role of Captain Orton/Sir Edward Ramsey with Andrew R. Looney.
The roles of star-crossed lovers Lun Tha and Tuptim will be played by Josh Shimizu — single-cast as Lun Tha — and Ashley Stonebraker Mayfield and Mary Alexie Shaffer, alternating as Tuptim. Lady Thiang will be played by Melissa Brinkerhoff and Bowler.
Lokey, who grew up in Amarillo, Texas, was initially trained as a gymnast. He got into theater after being encouraged by a high school teacher, then transferred to the University of Utah for its strong dance program. Within six months, he was dancing with the Utah Civic Ballet, forerunner of Willam Christensen's Ballet West.
Lokey went on to perform in the original Broadway production of "A Chorus Line," and has worked with such well-known performers as John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Ann-Margret and Michael Jackson. He spent some 18 years in the Los Angeles area, working on TV shows and film.
Working on the Hale Centre Theatre's small, in-the-round stage, is challenging, Lokey said, but certainly not intimidating. He feels the theater's intimacy is perfect for the performers. "The choreography has to be turned and moved around so you don't cheat anyone. You're not following a strict set of 'proscenium-stage' rules. It makes everything more realistic, just like conversing with someone in a room, when you might move from one piece of furniture to another."
Lokey has also found that rehearsing a largely double-cast ensemble is different, too. "It's just a big juggling act. Now we're down to the last week or two, and we need to be able to focus on just one cast and then the other.
"All of the youngsters are double-cast. The little ones are so cute you just want to hug them. They have short attention spans, so we have to plan their rehearsals very well. They just can't stand around waiting. You really have to have your ducks in row before the rehearsals."
Lokey is aware of the theater's computerized stage, but he feels the intimacy of "The King and I" storyline dictates that the staging must be kept relatively simple. The stage will not be moving up and down. Scenery designer Andrew Barrus and costume designer Suzanne Carling will fill the space with plenty of Asian color, including more than 700 yards of ornate silk and 30 hand-carved Mara Buddhas.
Lokey has also been asked to come back to the theater next season, to direct and star in "Singin' in the Rain." And you can bet your umbrella that Barrus will figure out a way to pump a real downpour into the show.
If you go . . .
What: "The King and I"
When: Curtain times vary, Saturday-July 15
Where: Hale Centre Theatre, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive
How much: $14-$21
Phone: 984-9000
Web site:www.halecentretheatre.com
E-mail: ivan@desnews.com