Review: Paramount's KING AND I Full of Heart, Talent, Et Cetera

I've never been a huge fan of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I", currently playing at the Paramount Theatre. It's kind of dated, the songs, while many are classics, don't really move the story along, and plot points often come out of nowhere, plus it's one of those staples from the Golden Age of musicals that's just been done to death. But as much as it's not one of my favorites, this current production was so filled with heart, talent and incredible staging that even I have developed a new appreciation for it.

For those who've been under a rock for the past 60 years the show follows Anna (Laura Michelle Kelly) who, along with her young son (Graham Montgomery), travels to Siam in the 1860's to serve as a schoolteacher to the many children of the King of Siam (Jose Llana) as part of his attempt to modernize Siam. But even though she develops feelings for the King she still has difficulty with his Imperialistic ways especially his treatment of women including the newly "acquired" Tuptim (Manna Nichols) who has been gifted to the King even though she loves another, the dashing Lun Tha (Kavin Panmeechao).

Even if you only have a passing knowledge of the show you're bound to recognize songs like "Getting to Know You", "Hello Young Lovers" and "Shall We Dance" just to name a few. These songs have made their way into the lexicon of Standards of American music and so you may know the song but not the show it's from. And this dazzling new production under the direction of Bartlett Sher absolutely shines with spectacular costumes from Catherine Zuber and gorgeous choreography from Christopher Gattelli. Even the somewhat interminable "Small House of Uncle Thomas" ballet engages with vibrancy and riveting storytelling.

But it's the stellar cast that truly sells this one. Llana is delightful as the overbearing King with just the right amount of playfulness to make his dictatorial attitudes not come across too creepy. Kelly is in amazing voice and has great chemistry with everyone making Anna a fully realized person. Nichols and Panmeechao are adorable together and Nichols journey is heartbreaking. And I have to call out Joan Almedilla as Lady Thiang and Anthony Chan as the Prince who took parts I've never really given much thought to and made them shine.

If you have a soft spot in your heart for this one, and many do, I have a feeling you're going to love this production. It truly does justice to the show and even brings alive some problem areas. And if like me, you just have a passing tolerance for it, you'll still have a good time. So with my three letter rating system I give "The King and I" at the Paramount a slightly surprised YAY. Still not one of my go to shows but definitely happy to have seen this one.

"The King and I" performs at the Paramount Theatre through February 3rd. For tickets or information visit the Seattle Theatre Group online at www.stgpresents.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.