SHOTA IS A STAR TURN
AYOUNG Scottish actor who beat thousands of other hopefuls to win a part in The King and I is getting ready to leap into the spotlight in Glasgow tonight.
Shota-Leon Sato is making his professional acting debut at the King’s Theatre as one of the Royal princes in the hit musical.
The 10-year-old was handpicked from a massive open audition which took place during last year’s Edinburgh Festival and he cannot wait for opening night.
“I still can’t believe it,” he said. “I had so much fun at the auditions with all the other children and now to be doing it for real and joining this amazing show in Glasgow is mindblowing.”
“The King and I has always been a special musical in our house, because we love all of the wonderful songs and my mum has even visted the original film set in Langkawi island in Malaysia
Shota, who is from Kirkcaldy, added: “I can’t wait for tonight, it’s going to be so cool!”
Emma Woods, the show’s UK Associate Choreographer who auditioned Shota, said: “I was immediately drawn to Shota as soon as he started dancing and singing, as he really shone.
“He carried himself effortlessly and had good range, so it’s so exciting that he will now be joining our cast.”
The King and I is an enduring favourite from the golden age of musicals.
Featuring a company of more than 50 world-class performers, a full scale orchestra, classic songs and extravagant costumes this critically acclaimed multi-Tony Award winning production of The King and I will run at the Kings from tonight until February 8.
It is the story of a young English widow who takes a job teaching the children of the King of Siam and features well-known songs such as ‘I Whistle a Happy Tune’, ‘Getting to Know You’ and ‘Shall We Dance?’
Annalene Beechey, who plays
Anna, is over the moon to have landed the role – and up to the challenge of negotiating THAT dress.
The famous dress, in which she dances with the King, costs £15,000, weighs 40lbs and has a circumference of 14ft. It’s too big to fit through doors, so it has to be kept on the stage.
“What’s it like to dance in a crinoline? Hard,” she laughs.
“You stop and it keeps moving. And it’s very heavy.”
She adds: “Playing Anna is an enormous role, requiring physical, vocal and emotional strength. I’m building up my stamina.”
Annalene is looking forward to welcoming their newest recruit on stage.
“The kids steal the show every night so we’re just thrilled that Shota is joining our wonderful production in Glasgow,” she smiles.