BWW Reviews: THE KING & I Shines at Cumberland County Playhouse

Cumberland County Playhouse has a gem on their hands with their latest production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King & I. With direction by CCP newcomer, Amy London, audiences receive a fresh look at a classic production. Set in the 1860s in the Asian country of Siam, The King & I is a story of unconventional love, acceptance, and the way that vast cultural differences can divide and bring together two people.

With beautiful set design by Sean McClelland and lighting design by Ginny Adams, we are transported back to a time when I'd like to say that the world was less complex, but in reality, many of the same things plagued society. Single parents trying to support their family, learning to accept people in spite of their differences, forbidden love, and unattainable love. So many of these things translate to today, making the story set so long ago, still relevant.

Much to the joy of regular patrons who've seen her grace the CCP stage before, Nicole Begue Hackmann stars as Anna, the widow and school teacher hired to teach the many children of the king of Siam. Her Anna is strong, confident and brave, even when she isn't sure she can be. Herman Sebek comes to The Playhouse with an impressive resume, including several turns on Broadway. Sebek plays a commanding King, but brings a beautiful human side to the role as well.

Daniel Frost played the role of Anna's young son Louis (a role shared with Eli Choate). The King's son, Prince Chulakorn was played by Jayden Gable (also shared with Zachary Villaruz). Both of the boys are extremely talented and are a great example of how much young talent is being brought up through Cumberland County Playhouse and their education department.

Barbara Flaten was choreographer for The King & I and there were some beautiful scenes that showcased her choreography. The most memorable for me was the scene in while the wives of the King perform a show for their guests, called "The Small House of Uncle Thomas." Traditional dance during this scene captivated the audience and held me spellbound.

The King & I shares some interesting, yet beautiful relationships that are completely non-traditional. The relationship between Anna and the King of Siam is strange, yet develops into something beautiful. The King of Siam doesn't understand Anna and her need to stand on her own two feet, or her reluctance to accept certain parts of his culture, yet he grows to need her approval and opinions, even though he'd never admit it.

The relationship between one of the King's wives, Tuptim, played by Lindy Pendzick and her true love, Lun Tha, played by Adam Ignacio is one that is both beautiful and tragic. Even more interesting, the relationships between the King's lead wife, Lady Thiang, played by Lauren Marshall, and Anna. Lady Thiang loved her husband enough that she understood his need for Anna's acceptance and opinions. Lady Thiang also understood how to approach Anna and coached her on how to reach the King.

The Cumberland County Playhouse brings yet another classic to the stage with beauty and grace. This show is a joy to experience, and well worth a trip to CCP. The King & I runs through August 30 at Cumberland County Playhouse. You can find tickets by visiting their website, or by calling the box office at 931-484-5000.

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