BWW Reviews: The Aerospace Players Light Up the Stage with THE KING AND I at the Armstrong Theatre

Composed entirely of volunteers, The Aerospace Players (TAP) is made up of members of the South Bay Community with a passion for theater. They spend many nights a week rehearsing for the show and volunteer their weekends to make costumes and build sets. This dedicated group of talented individuals includes employees from The Aerospace Corporation, LA Air Force Base, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Boeing, and other local businesses as well as community members not affiliated with any technology company. Many of the cast members in THE KING AND I are PhDs and are true "rocket scientists" with an enthusiasm for theater.

The Tony-award winning musical with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and music by Richard Rodgers is set in 19th century Siam and tells the story of a young English widow, Anna Leonowens, who moves to Siam with her son, Louis, to tutor the King's many children as part of his plan to modernize Siam. When Anna arrives, she discovers a beautiful new world with many unfamiliar traditions. Despite their differences, Anna and the King have a unique relationship, gaining understanding and mutual respect from their Culture Clash. The famous score includes musical hits "Shall We Dance", "Getting to Know You", "Hello, Young Lovers", and "Whistle A Happy Tune."

The cast of THE KING AND I includes the incredibly talented and imposingly regal Ron Banks as the King of Siam, who has performed the role over 500 times in both national and regional productions. He was born to play the role and embodies the heart and soul of a King caught between loving his culture yet wanting to be accepted as a modern man. Banks shows us a King who is not really sure about anything, yet very sure of himself as a man.

This production has special significance as his wife, Cathryn Starr, plays Anna Leonowens, a very modern-thinking woman forced to step into a world where she is seen as a second class citizen, no more than a servant to the King. The combination of their overwhelming talent, incredible singing, and loving relationship added to the magic of the production, especially their passionate "Shall We Dance" polka. You can feel the sparks fly the first time the King puts his arm around her waist and pulls Anna closer to him to dance.

And special kudos to Kirk Stefferud for the many fabulous costumes and to John Bruner and the entire set construction team responsible for the many set pieces and scenic backdrops used to effectively take us on a journey to the many locales necessary in the show.

Other outstanding cast members include Hollister Starrett as heir apparent Prince Chulalongkorn, all young bravado with an eye to his somewhat scary future role, and Fiona Okida and the dancer who stepped in as Eliza just two weeks ago. Their Asian-influenced dance duet choreographed with great skill by Drew Fitzsimmons was one of the highlights of the production, part of Tuptim's play-within-a-play "Small House of Uncle Thomas" which she presents as a way to let the King know slavery is not how women should be treated.

This talented cast also includes Keiko Clark (Tuptim), Janet Arnold-Clark (Lady Thiang), Stephen Cathers (Lun Tha), and Bob Minichelli (The Kralahome), and many children, royal wives and palace guards. The "March of the Royal Siamese Children" allowed each child their moment in the spotlight, much to the amusement of many in the audience.

The show is directed by Melissa Geiger with assistant director Chuck Gustafson, choreographer Drew Fitzsimmons, and musical director Bob Brandzel. Featuring a live orchestra and a talented cast, THE KING AND I is a great summer show for the whole family.

There are 6 performances on Friday and Saturday, July 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 8:00pm, Sunday, July 21 at 2:00pm, and Thursday, July 25 at 7:00pm at the James Armstrong Theatre, located at 3330 Civic Center Drive in Torrance, CA 90503.

Tickets prices are $24 for adults and $22 for seniors and students. For advance tickets call the box office at 310-781-7171. For Additional Information, visit the TAP website atwww.aeaclubs.org/theater

Photo credit: Kristine Maine

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