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CALUMET -- When Molly Trewartha got the part of Anna Leonowens in this year's ‘The King and I’ musical at Calumet Theatre, it didn't take long to get into character.

"I’m a lot like her in many ways,” said Trewartha.  “I’m also a strong-willed woman who is interested in sharing her love of learning with children."

As a school teacher herself, she steps into the role of an English widow who travels to Siam with her son in the early 1800s.  Based on the 1951 musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Anna Leonowens is hired by the king of Siam to teach his many children.  It's a tale of clashing cultures and gradual understanding.

"We have a woman from the West encountering a man in the East, and it’s this interesting interplay and relationship that they develop where they have a great respect for one another, but they’re very puzzled by one another," Trewartha said.

The king transforms as Anna helps his country transform in this adaptation suited for all ages.

"He's very strong and authoritative while, at the same time, internally he’s questioning his decisions; he really wants to modernize Siam," said David Crotty who plays King Mongkut.

The story finds itself entangled in a love neither is able to express.  But with the help of the Calumet Players cast, the characters come to light.

"I always tell my actors the best actors don’t act, they are, and that’s what I shoot for,” said Director David Crowley.  “I tell them I need them to make the characters real in their heads.”

‘The King and I’ opens this Friday.  For tickets, please call the Calumet Theatre box office at (906) 337-2610.