The Lincoln Center Theater production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I, directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, won four 2015 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, is being presented by the Ambassador Theatre Group, NETworks Presentations LLC and the Nederlander Organization at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre through Jan. 21.
The entire show is a marvel of classic Broadway musicals and a perfect introduction to the genre for all ages. I recommend you make plans to see it with your entire family (over the age of 5) before the tour moves on to its next stop!
The talented ensemble is led by Laura Michelle Kelly as Anna Leonowens and Jose Llana as the King of Siam, both of whom shine every single moment they take the stage. Kelly is charming and extremely likeable as the widowed mother of Louis (Graham Montgomery), enchanting audiences from the bow of an incredible ship, which sails onto the stage at the beginning of the show commanded by Baylen Thomas as Captain Orton (later playing Sir Edward Ramsey).When Louis admits to being frightened by the King’s right-hand man Kralahome (Brian Rivera) as they arrive in the strange city of Bangkok, Anna comforts him with “I Whistle a Happy Tune” whenever she feels afraid. I guarantee Kelly will get you whistling along with her!
Anna’s determination to have her own house next to the Palace rather than live in it as she teaches the King’s many children is an inspiration for all the young girls in the audience to speak up for themselves and to always consider themselves as equals to all other human beings, even a blustery King!
And what a King she meets as Llana manages to channel Yul Brenner, best known for playing the role, while adding in his own youthful charm and vitality during his songs, especially during “A Puzzlement” and the energetic “Shall We Dance” which thrilled the audience as he and Kelly commanded the stage with their lively polka. And when he finally agrees to her demand after Anna agrees to always keep her head lower than his, the comical scene in which their agreement occurs generated laughs galore!
The King’s many wives are led by first wife Lady Thiang, brilliantly portrayed by Joan Almedilla who adds a lot more modernity to the role by her willingness to go against what the King wants and support the young lovers Tuptim (Manna Nichols) and Lun Tha (Kavin Panmeechao), the young man who has brought her to the King of Siam as a gift from the King of Burma. The young lovers meet in secret in the palace garden, with their beautiful duet “We Kiss in a Shadow” igniting the passion of the heart existing between them.
Thankfully for them, when Lady Thiang catches them there, she decides to go to Anna for them the help they need to escape the clutches of the King. Almedilla’s rendition of “Something Wonderful” during her meeting with Anna let us see not only her own feelings for the King but also her respect for the longing of the two young lovers who deserve to be together.
Along with the wives, Anna teaches school to several of their children, most notably his first-born son Prince Chulalongkorn (Anthony Chan) who questions everything she says that challenges his own beliefs about Siam and its place in the world. Anna allows him to speak his own mind, gently getting him to realize there is more to know than just what his father has taught him. And when the schoolroom ensemble breaks into “Getting to Know You” with Anna, their joy of learning is celebrated as their weave and wind together thanks to Christopher Gattelli who based his choreography on the original by Jerome Robbins.
A true highlight of the production is “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” Ballet in Act II during which the glorious, stylized dancing ensemble portrays Tuptim’s version of the story in order to reflect her wish to escape from the King’s captivity. Led by Lamae Caparas as Eliza, Amaya Braganza as Uncle Thomas, Nobutaka Mochimaru as Angel/George, Yuki Ozeki as Topsy, Rommel Pierre O’Choa as the evil Simon of Legree, and Michiko Takemasa as Little Eva, we are treated to storytelling scenes enhanced by emotionally-matching lighting designed by Donald Holder and incredible costumes by Catherine Zuber.
Musical director Ted Sperling and his fabulously talented orchestra, most of whom are local musicians working with others in the touring company, thoroughly entertained with one of the best scores of any Broadway show. And Director Bartlett Sher shares, “Jose was so superb on Broadway in The King and I that I begged him to join us on the tour and l feel we are incredibly lucky to have him. He brings such joy and virility and strength to the King. And he is one of Broadway’s great talents. Laura Michelle has one of the best voices on Broadway matched with an extraordinary heart.” I agree with him wholeheartedly and encourage you to get your tickets ASAP for this remarkable touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I. It’s just too beautiful to miss!
Performances continue Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and & 1/26 at 8pm with weekday matinees on Fri 12/23, Wed 12/28, Fri 12/30, Wed Jan.18 and Fri Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. No 8 p.m. evening performances on Sat Dec. 24 and Sat Dec. 31; No performances on Sundays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Tickets for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I start at $35 are on sale online at www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-982-2787. Or visit www.PantagesGroups.com or by calling 866-755-3075. For more information, please visit www.TheKingAndITour.com, or on Facebook and Twitter.