franklyHANK: "The King and I;" "Downton" The Movie; Boy Band
"THE KING AND I"
Broadway In Chicago's "The King and I" is playing at the Oriental Theatre thru July 2. This production stars Laura Michelle Kelly and Jose Llana as Anna and the King, respectively, in this marvelous production which details the story of a British school teacher and her relationship with the King of Siam (now Thailand). From the costumes to the sets to the amazing dance performances, "The King and I" is the quintessential Rodgers & Hammerstein musical. The voices of the cast ring out and there is absolutely something special happening when Laura Michelle Kelly sings. A must for any theater lover! Tickets start at $24 and can be purchased at BroadwayInChicago.com.
A local note: "The King and I" is based on the novel by Margaret Langdon, "Anna and the King of Siam." That novel is loosely based on the memoirs of Anna Leonowens who taught the children of the King of Siam in the mid-1800's. Margaret Langdon was raised in Evanston, IL; attended Evanston Township HS and Wheaton College and today she is buried in Wheaton Cemetery. Another note: the memoirs of Leonowens that Langdon searched for in Siam, but could not find, she easily found in a used bookstore in Chicago!
"DOWNTOWN ABBEY: THE MOVIE"
YES, it's happening! NBC execs say a movie based on the popular TV series, "Downtown Abbey" is in the works. A script is being worked on now with production to start in 2018. So far the cast has not been contacted, but execs swear it's coming soon and the movie is happening.
"BOY BAND"
ABC's new reality series, "Boy Band" premieres tonight. Singer Rita Ora hosts with judges Nick Carter, Emma Bunton and producer Timbaland. They are looking to narrow down 30 boys to 18 and to put together the best boy band possible. It's a 10-episode series that starts tonight at 7:00pm on ABC 7. Check it out.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: THE 48TH ANNUAL PRIDE PARADE
ABC 7 is broadcasting The 48th Annual Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25 at 11:30pm. If you can't make the real thing, be sure to check it out. And if you do make the parade, look for me, Ryan and Ji, among other ABC 7 local celebs!
