Hanna Louise Fernandes & Jae Woo in “The King and I” – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
Jae Woo in “The King and I” – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
Because I have reviewed theatre, music and dance for over 45 years, I have seen some many works multiple times, but always find something unique about each. And though I cannot help making comparisons, I always try to judge each production on its own merits. Such is the case of Rogers & Hammerstein’s classic musical “The King and I,” which I saw Saturday at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.
What struck me immediately and frankly, surprised me was that this production was cast with Asian actors or those of Asian heritage playing the Asian characters. How thoroughly refreshing. after so many years of seeing white actors playing Asians, Native Americans and Latinos often time played as caricatures and offensive stereotypes. Kudos to Beef & Board for walking the walk and making representation more than a mere buzz word.
“The King and I” is based on Margaret Landon‘s novel Anna and the King of Siam (1944), which is in turn was adapted from the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, governess to the children of King Mongut, Kingf of Siam in the early 1860s. The musical’s plot follows the experiences of British school teacher Anna, who is hired in the King’s attempt to modernize his country. The complicated relationship between the King and Anna is reflected in their conflict through much of the story, as well as in their unrequited love for each other. The musical premiered on March 29, 1951, at Broadway’s St. James Theatre.
Nathalie Cruz in “The King and I” – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
Directed by Brian Jose and splendidly choreographed by Jennifer Ladner, the leads of this Beef & Boards production turned in exceptional performances. They included Hanna Louise Fernandes as the feisty, headstrong Anna and Jae Woo as the equally obstinate King. Standing out in supporting roles were spouses Nathalie Cruz, two popular Indy actors as the King’s number one wife Lady Thang and Ian Cruz as Kralahome, his prime minister and Alice Jlhyun Kim as Tuptin, a slave girl who is gift to the King from his counterpart from Burma.
Other stars of the show are the actors who play the King’s Ten Children. Their characters entrance during “The March of Siamese Children” never gets old and was magical as ever in this version.
Although there were far more positives than negatives, there were a few unfortunate misses in this production, as well. Woo, though ideally cast and believable as the King struggled vocally during his solos. And the young actor who played the King’s heir, Prince Chulalongkorn, was, regrettably, a weak link for his tepid performance.
As always, the Beef & Boards creative team for this show did an outstanding job executing the production’s costumes coordinated by Kathy Henry, sets by Michael Layton, Ryan Koharchik and David Hassleback’s sound design.
Superbly interpreting Roger’s & Hammerstein gorgeous, timeless score was the Beef & Boards orchestra led by music director Kristy Templet.
For tickets and information about “The King and I” which continues through May 19, visit beefandboards.com.
