John Romaniuk sure got into character for the York Durham Academy of the Performing Arts’ next production.

The Stouffville-based academy is presenting The King and I as its final show of the 2008 season, May 29 to 31 at EastRidge Evangelical Missionary Church.

Mr. Romaniuk plays The King, a part that calls for a hairless scalp.

He had his head shaved for the play, but not before collecting more than $1,100 for the Canadian Cancer Society.  

“I wasn’t sure if I would do it at first,” said Mr. Romaniuk, who challenged friends to put up the $1,000. “But, it’s been a lot of fun and all for a great cause.”

From the double takes at work to the hits on a YouTube video of the haircut, it has been worth it, he said.

Tamara Rasmussen (Anna) is the other lead actor.

Directed by Neil Bennett, this show, one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most popular musicals, features a cast of more than 40 performers of all ages.

Set in 1862 Siam, it is the story of English widow Anna Leonowens, and her young son, being summoned to the Royal Palace in Bangkok to serve as tutor to the king many children and wives.

The king is considered to be a barbarian by those in the West and he seeks Anna’s assistance in changing his image, if not his ways.

The academy is a registered non-profit theatre company “providing young people with opportunities to mature and learn positive values through experience in the performing arts”.   

This is the 21st musical production the academy has put on since its inception in 2002, having an aggregate cast of over 850 performers, and entertaining an aggregate audience of over 15,000 patrons.  

Show times are 7 p.m. May 29 and May 30, as well as 11 a.m. May 31.   

For ticket information, go to tickets@ydapa.com,

For additional information on the academy, call 905-640-0823 ext. 3 or go to ydapa.com

Donations for Mr. Romaniuk’s head  shave are being accepted until May 31.

Payment should be made payable to the Canadian Cancer Society and sent to the attention of the “Bald Guy” at 9 Falcon Heights Dr., Stouffville, Ontario. L4A 7X5.  

Charitable tax receipts will be sent directly from the society to the name and address on each pledge cheque.