The CVTG production in 1989.

Experience the culture of Siam this summer by attending the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild’s production of The King and I. First time director at CVTG, Sue Decker, is keeping the show as authentic as possible, giving the audience a taste of the historical aspect of the true story that was turned into a musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Last summer Decker visited Thailand (previously known as Siam), and her firsthand experiences helped form her vision of the production. Decker’s visit to Thailand has been an influence on the portrayal of the dancers and culture as well as the costume choices in her version of The King and I. Decker feels the most important message of the show is “the necessity of compromise and understanding of different cultures.” Decker stated the most rewarding aspect of her directing experience is that “the talent is stupendous.” Decker feels that the leads, Anna (played by Mitra Sadeghpour) and the King (played by Evan Lloyd) “right down to the cast who don’t have lines are each outstanding.” According to Decker, her assistant director Matt Rightmire has been a huge help through the process and she has “depended on him a great deal.” This family-friendly show with memorable songs like Getting to Know You and I Whistle a Happy Tune will play at The State Theatre.