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Regional Reviews: Phoenix The King and I Also see Gil's reviews of The 39 Steps, You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up!, Nana's Naughty Knickers, The Producers, Murder for Two and Lend Me a Tenor
The story follows Anna Leonowens as she arrives in 1860s Siam to become the English governess for the King's children. The King is interested in Western ways and, even though they disagree in many ways, through his relationship with Anna he becomes a much better man. His son, who is next in line for the throne, also realizes that progress is necessary and the way in which the King rules can be a positive thing. Of course, there are also some glorious songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, including "Shall We Dance?," "Hello, Young Lovers," "Something Wonderful," and a beautiful dance sequence in the second act, "Small House of Uncle Thomas," a dramatic ballet based on "Uncle Tom's Cabin" that is a correlation to the lives of some of the Siamese people who were treated like slaves. Both Alan Ariano and Jill Tieskoetter are more than capable of delivering the required nuanced layers of the King and Anna. Both are stubborn and steadfast at first but realize how the other might actually help them change for the better. Ariano adds an assured sense of humor to the King, slightly more than I've seen in other productions. It helps to lighten the mood of the heavier themes of slavery and male superiority. As Anna, Tieskoetter has the appropriate English sensibility with proper manners and displays a sweetness in Anna's desire to help not only the King's children and wives in their studies but the King himself. They are both exceptional. In the supporting cast, Kyoko Ogawa as the King's main wife Lady Thiang has a rich voice that adds an emotional depth to her solo "Something Wonderful." Likewise, as the young lovers, Chelsea Soto and Eymard Cabling provide a nice amount of longing and passion in their two songs and scenes together. Tommy Cimato and Max Mendoza are pleasant as Anna's son Louis and the King's son Prince Chulalongkorn, respectively, and they portray their friendship with realistic growing pains similar to those between their parents. In smaller but important parts, Bobby Underwood and Glenn Parker excel as the King's right hand and a man from Anna's past. Director Andy Meyers has expertly instructed his cast to create meaningful, genuine relationships. From the way Lady Thiang speaks and sings about her husband to the way Anna and the King's constantly changing relationship evolves, and even how the King treats his many children in a loving way, each cast member delivers an emotional connection. Heather Adams' choreography combines simple and elegant period specific movements along with the infamous original Jerome Robbins' original choreography, including a superb rendition of the "Uncle Tom's Cabin" ballet. Sublime creative aspects include Jim Hunter's winning set design which is made up of an expansive set that takes up the whole width of the stage. Hunter's use of moving platforms to portray the various rooms in the palace with numerous columns and a beautiful skyline of Siam in the background combine with William C. Kirkham's evocative lighting design to create some beautiful stage images. Likewise, Kelsey Ettman's costumes are exceptional, including royal outfits for the King and the members of the royal palace and stunning outfits for Anna, with her gown for the "Shall We Dance?" number a knock out. The combination of dark orange, gold, red and purple used throughout the set, costumes and lighting provides a stunningly rich design. ABT's The King and I is a class act production of this classic musical. The King and I runs through February 15th, 2015, at the Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 West Paradise Lane in Peoria. Tickets can be ordered at azbroadway.org or by calling 623 776-8400. Music by Richard Rodgers Cast: (in order of appearance)
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