” The King and I”

Highly Recommended ***** I am unsure as to the exact number of times that I have seen “The King and I” ( as well as doing performances as an ensemble member and as The King some twenty-five years ago), but I can tell you that each production has been different. As I always say, on radio and here in print, ” A live play is never the same as the last time you saw it”! Yes, a different director, different cast, different set design and even the stage can make a difference, and the current production now on the stage at Drury Lane Oakbrook is amazing from start to finish.

Let me preface the evening by saying that Jane was not sure she wanted to see this musical again, but after viewing the work  as directed by Alan Paul and choreographed by Darren Lee, she was happy that she had joined me. We had a wonderful dinner at Gibson’s in Oakbrook and then drove the five blocks north to Drury Lane- she fell in love with the play again! I knew she would. This is one of Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II ( book and lyrics) musicals that are in my opinion classics. It is based on the book “Anna and The King of Siam” written by Margaret Landon and is an interesting look at cultures that clash and what can happen if one allows change to creep in. The story is simple. The King (Adam Jacobs is superb) of Siam ( which by the way is now Thailand), is a dictator who has been hailed as a barbarian. He brings an English teacher to his country to teach his children and his select wives, English and other topics. Anna ( the incredible Betsy Morgan, with a voice that has a tremendous range and a personality that is perfect) comes with her son, louis ( Braden Crothers is wonderful/and at some performances this role is filled by Nolan Maddox).

Upon arrival, she learns that the King’s promises are not exactly promises, but she falls in love with the children she is to teach and the wives of the King ( yes, there are many of each). The number one wife is Lady Thiang ( Chicago favorite Christine Bunuan is terrific) and the others are played by  Ensemble members Ayana Strutz, Marissa Swanner, Michiko Takemasa, Aurora Penepacker, Yuki Ozeki, Hannah Fernandez, Mai Claypool and  Kristine Bendul ( I hope I got them right). The children are played by Alexandra Salazar, Rika Nishikawa, Enzo Garcia, Elle Laroco, Vin Larocq, Dante Garcia and Avelyn Choi,

The male ensemble is composed of: Garrett Shin, Nich O”Neil, Anthony Christopher Milfelt, Kevin KulpKenway Hon Wai K. Kua and Albert Hsuch. The roles of Captain Orton and Sir Edward Ramsey are handled by Victor Holstein ,and the Prince, Chulalongkorn by Matthew Uzarraga ( who truly will be a star someday). The star-crossed lovers Tuptim and Lun Tha are played by Paulina Yeung and Ethan Le Phong. I must tell you that the numbers done by Ms Yeung are powerful and her performance in the play within a play “Small House of Uncle Thomas” is worth the price of admission- what a beautiful number and how powerful a story of slavery and what escaping meant to those held captive. I have seen countless productions of this show and this is by far one of the best ballet numbers telling this story..

The music directed by Tim Laciano and his six musicians is wonderful and the tech sides of the production are flawless. The set by Wilson Chin and RIW Rakkulchon, the costumes by Izumi Inaba, the hair by Emily Young, props by Cassy Schillo, Electronic music design by Ethan Deppe, Lighting by Eric Southern and sound by Ray Nardelli were flawless making this almost 3 hour production ( with one intermission) go rather quickly. In fact, when the curtain went down and I looked at my watch, I was surprised to see just how long it was- didn’t matter because it was just perfect.

Can people of different cultures and life styles learn to live side by side with others? This is a question now as it was when this play was penned and as it was when the original book was written. While we think we have progressed, often we see that even with change, we are still the same. This is a story that will make you think, but of greater importance, this is a production that will have you on your feet for the curtain call to say to this outstanding cast- you are terrific! “The King and I ” will continue at Drury Lane Oakbrook thru May 22nd with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  1:30 p.m.

Thursdays  1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays  2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets range from$64-$79 ( $5 discount seniors Wed and Thurs. matinees) and can be purchased at 630-530-0111 or visit www.DruryLaneTheatre.com

CDC rules have eased up at Drury Lane- masks are optional and they do allow beverages in the theater.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The King and I”.