“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing, amazing, amazing”
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s, The King and I, is an absolute delight to watch and is currently touring, with the press night at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham being last night. They have a few tickets remaining at the time of writing this, but not many, so do be quick. The multi-award winning Broadway production sold out at The London Palladium, so it is brilliant to have it tour the UK and land in Birmingham.
The King and I is a truly lavish and astounding production full of impeccable dancing, goosebump inducing singing, an excellent score, and acting skills that are second-to-none, but then what do we expect under Bartlett Sher (Tony Award-winning director).
For those unaware of the story, the production transports you back to the 1860s in Siam (Thailand). The King of Siam (Darren Lee) has hired a British schoolteacher, widowed Anna Leonowens (Maria Coyne for last nights press night), to teach his many children and wives at the price of £20 a month.
The story has themes of love, respect, and change (for the better), and you can’t help but fall in love with the superbly talented cast and the way they all portray their roles. I can see why this production constantly sells out.
It would be wrong of me to fail to mention that the show also has a fight for female equality, a point still relevant in today’s society. Bigomy, slavery and many other controversial themes are present. Set in the early 1860s, it is based on the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam, where life was very very different to today. This is a show depicting that past age, which is crucial to remember.
Maria Coyne is superb as the English School Teacher. Maria’s ability to sing, dance and act without a single tiny mistake, had me amazed. Maria is the alternate Anna (Helen George is the lead) and I have to admit, I was wowed with Maria and can see an incredibly promising future ahead of her.
The relationship and chemistry between Maria and Darren Lee (King of Siam) worked so well. It was as if they bounced off one another. Complimenting each other perfectly.
Darren Lee portrayed the role of the King with strength and stamina. A powerful voice and charm that wins over the audience. Although a strong King, he displays vulnerability, and that vulnerability is soothed somewhat by Anna with her quick wit and charm. A complicated but equally fun friendship to watch unfold throughout the show.
The set design is eye-catching with its vibrant colours, captivating patterns and intricate details. Michael Yeargan managed to transport me to Siam flawlessly. The set design was complimented perfectly with the costumes designed by Catherine Zuber. Eye catching, bright, elaborate. I wondered at a few points how heavy some of the dresses that Anna (Maria) wore must weigh. Especially the beautiful purple dress when she danced with the King. I love how the dresses swayed backwards and forwards and I liked the mention in the second half that the skirts were large like that, to give the women space. I could have done with one during the pandemic.
The score and vocals are powerful, performed beautifully. I felt goosebumps so often. The vocals combined with the choreography (Christopher Gattelli), especially during ‘The Small House of Uncle Thomas” was superb. A play within a play. Mesmerised watching the movement within this dance number. Fascinated with the portrayal of this beautiful and yet emotional piece. Tuptim (Amelia Kinu Muus), Eliza (Rachel Wang-Hei Lau), Topsy (Cher Nicolette Ho) and Little Eve (Yuki Ozeki) gave outstanding performances during the production, but then so did every performer on the stage. It was breathtaking to watch.
This is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for over 60 years and I believe will continue to captivate audiences for many more years to come. Looking at how full the theatre was last night and hearing the roars of applause around me, it’s a show that will continue to bring in the crowds.
Book Tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-king-and-i/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/
Disclaimer: I was invited along to the press performance in return for an honest review.