The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through June 4, 2017
by Rebecca Phelps
 |
Photo by Matthew Murphy |
This amazing new revival of “The King and I” is a stand-out
production from every angle. For those who love the tried and true old time
Rogers & Hammerstein shows, they will not be disappointed, even with some
updated materials. The music, story, characters and original Jerome Robbins
choreography is all there in its full and glorious form. To those who know the
show well, they will notice some updated dialogue, especially with references
to political conflicts in southeast Asia, as well as added dance sequences.
These are interspersed between scenes and give more opportunity to the elegant
and sophisticated Thai dancers who are featured primarily in the “Small House
of Uncle Thomas”.
The cast is appropriately diverse and uniformly strong,
although Manna Nichols has a bit of harshness vocally and is a more formidable
and willful Tuptim than we usually see in this show (perhaps intentionally so).
Laura Michaels Kelly is perfection in the part of Anna with her crystal clear
bell-tone voice; every word and lyric beautifully articulated and every gesture
and nuance stylistically appropriate and artful. Jose Llana brings warmth to
this autocratic ruler, the King of Siam. His strong baritone voice is
commanding and demanding with displays of a fearsome temper, but is also
capable of being conciliatory and downright humorous. By the end of the show he
has won over not only Anna, but his audience to this chauvinistic King.
The sets are simple and alluring making use of the high
proscenium at the Bushnell with gauzy and flowery curtains creating the garden
scenes and a metallic coppery gold curtain for the scenes in the palace. A
giant Buddha brings home the significance of the religious as well as cultural
divides between Anna (Christian, western ways) and the King (Buddhist, eastern
ways). Gold pillars and a stark masonry wall create the illusion of towering
palatial ceilings and the walled courtyard in which Anna feels confined.
This show is a feast for any audience, from the very young
to the very old. The story still feels relevant in today’s world (with
reference to a possible wall being built around Siam!), while the melodies are
unforgettable; some of Roger’s & Hammerstein’s best, accompanied by a full
orchestra and including the entire overture. Don’t miss it!!
