Tuesday, April 30, 2013

“The King and I” at Ocean State Theatre



“The King and I” at Ocean State Theatre
by Richard Pacheco
            There are some play s and musicals which lose impact over the years and other which do not. “The King and I” is a as vivid and charming as fun and as moving as it once was. The current production at Ocean State Theatre is sheer delight from beginning to end, loaded with fun, overflowing with charm and still packing an emotional climax.
It is based on the 1944 novel “Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon, which derives from the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860s. The musical's plot relates the experiences of Anna, a British schoolteacher hired as part of the King's drive to modernize his country. The relationship between the King and Anna is marked by conflict through much of the piece, as well as by a love that neither can admit. The musical premiered on March 29, 1951, at Broadway's St. James Theatre. It ran nearly three years, then the fourth longest-running Broadway musical in history, and has had many tours and revivals. It was written for actress Gertrude :Lawrence and although they originally wanted Rex Harrison for the king’s role, he was unavailable so they got Yul Brenner.
Christopher Swan plays the King of Siam, a man caught between his strong, well established   He has a wonderful singing voice, one of robust energy and skill, and it shines throughout the production. He shows a real presence, full of regal confidence as the king and a bit more timid an cautionary as a man confronting the every that is Anna. He shows a more vulnerable side when he sings, “A Puzzlement” where he sincerely questions himself.
traditions and his desire to bring his country into the modern world. He is a proud man, a man of principles who is passionate and intelligent. Mr. Swan handles this with flair and finesse, creating a king who is at once imposing and yet kind at heart.
Alison Mahoney plays, Anna Loenowens, an Englishwoman who has come to tutor the king’s children. She is bold, strong willed and determined, with an eye towards honor and keeping to your word no matter what and no matter who you are. Ms. Mahoney delivers a vibrant and passionate performance, at once articulate and intelligent. She is a wonderful singer, full of power and finesse. She shines in  “Whistle A Little Tune, and “Shall We Dance.” She display a fine comic sense which shows up through out like the interplay between her and the king about her head having to be no higher than the king’s at all times. In “Hello Young Lovers” about her late husband and true love, she is a wonder and pleasure.
When she sings “Getting to Know You” with the wives and children it is marvelous.
The two leads here have great chemistry together endearing and sincere. When they dance in “Shall We Dance?” it is pure magic, a real wonder.
The rest of the cast is equally talented. There are many children in this show and they are delightful and talented, adding so much to the production. The many wives are also terrific.
Hyemi Kim as Lady Thiang is an ally or Anna, and very supportive and kind. She has a wonderful voice and deftly creates some stunning dramatic moments. As the head wife, she convinces Anna to remain in Siam when it is crucial. Her plaintive, “Something Wonderful” is vivid and entrancing, with an emotional depth that is very moving. She also leads the wives in the delightfully Uncle Thomas Ballet” which is winning and winsome while containing some application to Siam.
The two forbidden lovers are played with  skill and emotion by Samn Simahk as Lun Tha  and Shawna Haeji Shin asTuptim. Shawna has a winning soprano voice that shines in songs like “I Have Dreamed” a duet with Samn’s  charming tenor voice. It is tender and touching.
J.P Sarro is the  hulking and ominous Kralahome, the prime minister who looms over all. He is fiercely loyal to the king and loves him deeply as well as truly respects the man, not only the kind. It is a potent and convincing performance.
The two young men who play the boys, Anna’s son and the king’s son, Connor Buanoccorsi and Andrew Faria, respectively are wonderful. They both have strong singing voices which they use to fine effect.
Adam Ryan Tackett is winning as Captain Orton and Sir Edward a former beau of Anna’s, with two very distinct performances.
They received a well earned standing ovation at the end for a job well done. There are so many gems in this packed throughout.
Producing director Aimee Turner delivers and taut, classy and classic show, full of poise, style and passion. Her choreography is neat, clean and effective. Particularly satisfying was her choreography of “Shall We Dance.” And of note also was the fable tale of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which was rich is lush visual moments with flowing veils and ritualistic movements.
Musical Director John Jay Espino is superb leading the cast with some excellent musical finesse and the fin orchestra which is always poised and perfect.
The Bert Scott set is clever and handsome, deftly combining rich palatial elements with a depth of garden at the rear. The David Costa-Cabral costumes are perfect, exotic and elegant as needed.
There are so many wonderful musical numbers here, sheer classics that still shine brightly after all these years. This is a must see show, a real classic done with style and flair. It is a true theatrical treat.
"The King And I" (24 April - 19 May)
            OCEAN STATE THEATRE COMPANY
@ 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, WARWICK RI
1(401)921-6800