Reviewed by Judy Richter
To those of us who have been
humming along to "The King and I" ever since it premiered on Broadway in 1951 (that
was back in the day when show tunes regularly made it onto radio's "Your
Hit Parade"),
Broadway By the Bay's production is a chance to savor it once again. But to the dozens
of young people in the cast and many, many more in the audience, it's a chance
to become acquainted with one of the classics of American musical theater.
Thanks to BBB's stellar production, directed by Dennis Lickteig, one can hope that their
appetite for such treats has been whetted.
Based
on Margaret Landon's
"Anna and the King of Siam" and adapted by Oscar Hammerstein II, this show tells the story of a
widowed English school teacher, Anna Leonowens (Susan Himes Powers), who sails to Bangkok with her
young son, Louis (an appealing Hunter Lowdon), in 1862 to teach the numerous
children and wives of the Siamese king. Played by Jared Lee, the king is an autocratic,
imperious man who is used to having everyone obey his every command. He's never
met the likes of Anna, who's not afraid to stand up to him when necessary, but
who's wise enough to know when to back off and let him take credit for her
suggestions.
Richard
Rodgers'
sumptuous score, with lyrics by Hammerstein, is full of hummers. Chief among
them are "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Hello, Young Lovers," "Getting to Know
You,"
"We Kiss in a Shadow," "I Have Dreamed" and "Shall We Dance." Most of them are
beautifully delivered, especially by Powers. Not only is she an accomplished
singer with excellent technique and pacing, she's also a fine actress, easily
conveying Anna's varied moods. She also has an attractive stage presence, making
her a good balance to Lee's commanding king.
The
show has a subplot involving the secret love between Tuptim (Meryll Lacquiao), a Burmese princess given to
the king as a gift, and Phra Alack (Joshua Lau), her escort. He does well with
their duet, "We Kiss in a Shadow," but she has a shrill edge to her
higher notes, especially in "My Lord and Master." Jacqueline De Muro, who plays Lady Thiang, the
king's No. 1 wife, has the dignified stage presence required by the role,
highlighted by her "Something Wonderful." James Zongus plays her son, Prince
Chululongkorn, the king's heir.
Jayne
Zaban's
choreography, inspired by Jerome Robbins' original, is well executed, especially in "The
Small House of Uncle Thomas," Tuptim's telling of Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Except for some unity
problems in the overture, the orchestra, led by musical director Mark Hanson, shines on its own and
complements the singers. The sumptuous costumes are from The Theatre Company. The sets come from Premier
Sets, a division
of Cabrillo Music Theatre. Lighting is by BBB's Michael Ramsaur.
BBB
prides itself on its educational endeavors and traditionally programs a summer
show featuring lots of kids. The kids get great experience on stage, their
families come to watch and applaud them, and the whole audience gets a treat.
One final note: Opening night started promptly at 8 p.m. One can hope that this
approach carries over to future shows.
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