Child’s Play with Grown-Up Talent: The King and I at St. Stan’s

At St. Stanislaus Kostka school in Greenpoint students know how to act—in a musical, that is. They sing melodiously, they move precisely, they remember their lines.

Saturday night’s “The King and I,” performed by the school’s drama club at the newly renovated St. Stan’s auditorium, proved that a school play can be as professional as a real theater play.

“The two leading roles were fantastic,” said audience member Ted Budzilek, whose children were too young to perform in the play. “You can take these kids to Off – Broadway.”

Students from pre-K to 8th grade showcased their talent in this rendition of a famed musical about a British schoolteacher whose unflinching will and liberal ideas changed the draconian laws of an Asian country.

Fran Zito and Ellen Kazes, who head the school’s recently established drama club, co-directed the show with the help of parents and other volunteers. They said they were fortunate to work with such professional children. They expressed gratitude toward all the artistic parents and community members who helped with the set and costumes. They were especially grateful to the Elite Learning Center, an educational organization that contributed $15,000 to the drama club. If it wasn’t for Elite, Zito said, the play would be less professional, without the newly purchased red velvet curtains and the sound system. The success of the drama club, created this year, may lead to a more consistent drama program at the school, but Zito and Kazes said they do not have any definite plans yet.

The performers took the drama project very seriously. They have been practicing for the last six months, twice a week, with each rehearsal lasting two to three hours.

“There were a lot of lines, but all the hard work paid off in the end,” said 7th grader Julian Torres who played the role of the King.

Several young girls, including a five-year-old pre-kindergartner, played the King’s children. Some of them said that they were nervous, but once on stage, they were able to say all the lines with confidence. They thought it was a fun experience.

“Sometimes it gets hard, but you do it,” said 4th grader Diana Cordenas. “Afterward you feel happy.” “Popular! Ecstatic! Proud,” chimed in some of the girls from the group.

Sister Dorothea Jurkowski, St. Stan’s principal said she was awed from beginning to end. She said she is very happy that the show’s star, 8th grader Kerri Thompson who played the lead Anna Leonowens will continue to pursue acting. She will start Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts in the upcoming fall.

“Stunning, the whole performance,” said Jurkowski. “All the hard work, the sweat and the tears paid off.”

As the auditorium was clearing out, Cordenas quickly changed into her street clothes. She ran up to Zito to say goodnight.

“Remember, you don’t have rehearsal on Friday,” said Zito as she hugged the girl.