BWW Reviews: Welk Escondido Does a Fine KING AND I

The King and I/music by Richard Rodgers/book & lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II/based on Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon/directed by Joshua Carr/Welk Resorts, Escondido/through April 5

A friend referred to The King and I as a war horse, an old chestnut, for it has surely surpassed time as an enduring musical classic, but upon seeing it again, one realizes just how potent, vibrant and topical a piece it truly is. Musicals of such depth and perspective with a keen eye to the future seem to be a thing of the past. Yes, it's a love story at the core, an unlikely one, but with many, many more levels. It entails issues of race, slavery, the urgency for a king of a tiny uncivilized kingdom to change his primitive, barbaric ways, and for his children to receive a truthful education as he embarks on assimilating 19th century Siam to western culture and civilization...and to repeat, it's a bigger-than-life love story that has become eternally revered not only for its music but for its intolerance of bigotry of any type. At Welk Resort, Escondido, Joshua Carr has staged generously yet simply, the result of which is a truly stellar production of the story of Anna and The King performed through April 5.

I stress that the show is topical, because in the 21st century, we are still unbelievably plagued by narrow-minded attitudes and behavior, in some places worse than others, but they still very plainly exist. In this story the love affair between Tuptim and Lun Tha suffers because of the bonds of prejudice. They are punished because of love. And Anna and the King never fully realize their love for one another until it is too late...again due to the formidable obstacle of ignorance and intolerance. It is on his death bed that the King sees the light, permitting changes that will sadly exclude his participation. He will not see his children and his country grow to prosperity.

The entire ensemble of King and I are first-rate. Richard Bermudez gives a charming performance as the King. Handsome and athletic, the young man is stretching his acting muscles to fill the King's shoes and does it quite admirably with concise gestures and excellent use of his vocal instrument. Victoria Strong makes a lovely Anna, full of passion and good sense, but never going to extremes. Her sterling presence and lovely voice assuage a perfect fit. Praise as well to Austin Oducayen as Lun Tha, and to Michaelia Leigh as Tuptim with such a lovely singing voice. Jalin Hsu is so natural and graceful as Lady Thiang, making "Something Wonderful" very memorable, Devin Collins does nice work as Captain Orton/Sir Edward Ramsay and Matthew Mohler is a real standout as Anna's son Louis possessing great focus and executing clear, concise moves. Jacob Hoff is commanding as Kralahome and Jan Colby just right in his awkwardness as the Prince. Kudos to all the children who are divinely disciplined in their scenes, particularly in "The March of the Siamese Children". Director Carr has kept his staging neat and clean, and Joanna Tsang has done a splendid job of choreographing the ballet of "The Small House of Uncle Thomas" as well as "Shall We Dance?" for the principals. Doug Davis has designed some simple yet functionally lovely set pieces and Theatre Company has supplied the beautiful costumes.

Apart from the substance of The King and I, there are those simply divine Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes like "Getting to Know You", "I Whistle a Happy Tune", "We Kiss in a Shadow", 'Something Wonderful", "Hello Young Lovers" and "I Have Dreamed". Gorgeous music in abundance! There is nothing like a Rodgers and Hammerstein show; they were the first real American musical geniuses and have remained among the greatest composers - ever.

Do yourself a favor and travel down to Escondido to see this lovely production of The King and I at Welk Resorts through April 5.

http://welkresorts.com/san-diego-theatre/

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