Jose Llana’s Photo Stash! The King and I Star Shows Off His Hipster Wig, Frightening Props & More Backstage

Bow down to the new King! Jose Llana has ascended the throne in the Tony-winning Lincoln Center Theater production of The King and I, and while he’s getting settled in his new digs, we asked him to go on a scavenger hunt and snap photos of a few of his favorite things around the Vivian Beaumont Thetaer. Check out his ratty old good luck charm, boozy snack, delicious dinner and more below!


My view from the stage
“From the King’s throne all the way upstage at the top of the show. What a glorious first view.”


The best costume piece I wear
“Or really, the best wig piece I wear. I escaped shaving my head for this cool piece of Siam hipster.”


My coolest prop in the show
“The most frightening part of the show and reason for my fight call.”


My favorite line in the show
“The highest, most iconic moment in the show to the lowest.”


My good luck charm
“This ratty, beaten up flannel button-up is about three sizes too big that I bought at the Gap in high school. It’s also been in every dressing room I’ve been in since then.”


The best thing to eat on a two-show day
“I make my way over to The Smith for a New York strip steak and salad, my go-to comfort food, always.”


My favorite dressing room decoration
“My 92-year-old grandmother in Manila recently started taking painting classes and she made this for me. She and it inspires me and the women in the painting take me straight to southeast Asia.”


My favorite co-stars
“I love me some Kelli and Ruthie, but how can you resist these lovelies?”


My favorite post-show snack
“White wine and chips. Bliss.”


A pre-show selfie before I take the stage
“See you in Siam!”