THE KING AND I
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Wed 8-Sat 18 Jan
I would have said that this musical needed no introduction, but a quick (and wholly unscientific) poll of my colleagues and friends suggested the show isn’t quite as well-known as I thought. The pedigree is first-class, however – Rodgers & Hammerstein brought us classics like South Pacific, Oklahoma! and The Sound Of Music in an award-addled string of hits during the 1950s and 60s. And anyone who has not seen Yul Brynner’s breakthrough (and Oscar-winning) turn as the titular King in the 1956 film version, is missing out on a performance that is at once subtle and spectacular.
The story is one of hidden desire in a mysterious land. It’s based on Margaret Landon’s 1944 novel Anna And The King of Siam, which in turn is based on the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, the real-life governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam (modern-day Thailand) in the early 1860s. She teaches the King’s 15 children, including the heir to the throne, causing upset by teaching them more progressive topics than the old-fashioned King approves of. In a plot reminiscent of The Sound Of Music, the King’s strict regime is softened by Anna’s presence and a kind of romance bubbles under the surface, in a show full of colourful and extravagant Far Eastern-inspired dances and Broadway musical hooks.
The King And I has arguably one of the most memorable scores in the history of musical theatre, including Whistle A Happy Tune, Getting To Know You and Shall We Dance?. And in this critically-acclaimed Lincoln Center Theater production, the show is brought to life by a company of over 50 onstage performers and a full-scale orchestra.
Stars of the West End and Broadway respectively, Annalene Beechey and Jose Llana take on the main roles. And, with direction coming courtesy of Tony Award-winner Bart Sher (South Pacific & My Fair Lady on Broadway), this romantic musical classic is certainly in safe hands. If, like many I’ve spoken to, this musical is not one you know, it may well be worth remedying that and catching what the New York Times has called ‘remarkable’ and ‘exquisite’.
words MAX HARVEY
Tickets: £18-£79.50. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk
