“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.
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)
@ 1245
Jefferson Boulevard, WARWICK
RI
1(401)921-6800
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