HOT's 'The King & I'
opens big

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Lee Kogler was one of several lucky fans who got to meet Richard Chamberlain after his opening night performance as the king of Siam in Hawaii Opera Theatre's production of "The King & I" in the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Friday. Kogler told Chamberlain she'd been a fan since she saw him star in "Dr. Kildare" in the early '60s, but never thought she'd have a chance to talk with him. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Friday was the night for Tony and Mele Young. They had bid aggressively in a silent auction in March for a dinner-and-show package that included opening night tickets for "The King & I." Tony said they didn't mind the long wait, and that the high bid price was money well spent.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Jordan Segundo, who is making his musical theater debut as Lun Tha, celebrated backstage with his voice teacher, Neva Rego, at the after-show dinner party.The role is a big step beyond the local pop music scene for Segundo, and a promising start for him in musical theater. "The King & I" closes this weekend with shows Friday through Sunday.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Kristian Lei was congratulated by cast members John Hunt, left, and Kevin Yamada after the show. Lei's dramatic portrayal of Tuptim draws the audience into the tragic love story. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
The cast, crew and guests partied backstage until after midnight. Cast member Tiana DeBell enjoyed the Thai buffet with her brother, Kevin DeBell, left, and Warren Woon. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Jean Malia Orque paused to try out the king's throne as she and G. Todd Withy were getting a guided tour of the set before the preview performance last Tuesday.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Melita Bunghanoy and Glennon T. Gingo were among the VIPs who enjoyed a Thai buffet dinner and a backstage tour as part of the pre-opening festivities last Tuesday.