This is a Rogers and Hammerstein musical at its best, traditional and in all of its original glory. The gorgeous costumes, sets, and actors, are truly a feast for your eyes! An amazing production that should be seen by all!
Cast members include: Laura Michelle Kelly (as Anna Leonowens), Jose LLana (as King of Siam), Joan Almedilla (as Lady Thiang), Manna Nichols (as Tuptim), Anthony Chan (as Prince Chulalongkorn), Graham Montgomery (as Louis Leonowens), Brian Rivera (as Kralahome), Baylen Thomas (as Captain Orton & Sir Edward Ramsey), and Heather Botts (u/s Anna). The ensemble of actors and dancers are equally brilliant!
The production’s costumes are out of this world, it’s as if you are stepping into an ancient world of Siam, regal, nonetheless. The dancing is fantastic and utilizes many unique props to enhance the characters. For instance, large Buddha pieces and ornamental Thai style head pieces are part of the excitement.
“The King and I” has fascinating storyline dealing with customs and traditions. In the story line, the King’s main goal is for SIam to be progressive and modern by getting rid of old customs and traditions. But the King himself, is one of the last people to change. One of the issues is with the treatment of women, perhaps best described as slavery. The King is a male chauvinist at it’s truest form and has no idea how women are treated in other countries. Luckily, Anna is there to teach the children of Siam, and the King, to do away with the old traditions. There is much dissension between the two of them, but as the story unfolds their fondness for each other becomes the main lesson. It is a wonderful lesson in love and power, it pretty much will stick with you for a long time.
Both the singing and acting in “The King and I” are remarkable. Laura Michelle Kelly has a sort of Julie Andrews’s quality to her voice– she brought the house down every time she sang. Jose Llana and Joan Almedilla did an incredible job as well. The songs “Hello, Young Lovers,” “Getting to Know You,” “Something Wonderful,” and “Shall We Dance,” were each given great arrangements with perfect vocal tenacity. I believe that there is no better music and lyrics than with Rogers and Hammerstein– so much talent in those two.
“The King and I” is based on the novel “Anna and The King of Siam” by Margaret London. The choreography was by Christopfer Gattelli– based on the original choreography by Jerome Robbins, and directed by Bartlett Sher.
There was a lot of action on the Red Carpet before the show too. The red carpet attendees included: Hillary Hickman “In My Mother’s Arms,” Carly Hughes “American Housewife,” Mary Hollis Inboden “The Real O’Neals,” Shirley Jones “The Partridge Family,” Max Landis “Chronicle,” Eva LaRue “CSI: Miami,” Dawnn Lewis “ A Different World,” Ashley Liao “Fuller House,” Kate Linder “The Young and the Restless,” Greg Louganis “Entourage,” Barbara Luna “The King and I” Original Broadway Cast, Masiela Lusha “George Lopez,” Armand Mastroianni Director, Katherine McNamara “ShadowHunters,” William R. Morris “Falcon Crest,” Ryan Newman “Monster House,” Ann Robinson “War of the Worlds,” Sara Rue “Less Than Perfect,” Gabrielle Ruiz “My Crazy Ex- Girlfriend,” Benjamin and Matthew Royer “Best Friends Whenever,” Olivia Sanabia “Just Add Magic,” Sherri Saum “The Fosters,” Matt Shively “The Real O’Neals,” Vincent Spano “Alive,” Hal Sparks “Lab Rats,” Haley Tau “Bella and the Bulldogs,” Gina Torres “Suits,” Forrest Wheeler “Fresh Off The Boat,” Bebe Wood “The Real O’Neals,” Bradley Pierce “Beauty and the Beast,” Aubrey Anderson-Emmons “Modern Family,” Ashley Argota “The Fosters,” Dante Basco “Hook,” Luna Blaise “Fresh Off the Boat,” Soni Bringas “Fuller House,” Barbara Chase “9 to 5,” Francois Chau “Rescue Dawn,” Camille Chen “Two Broke Girls,” Ian Chen “Fresh Off the Boat,” Brock Ciarlelli ”The Middle,” Darius Cottrell “American Sniper,” Denise Crosby “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Patrika Darbo “Days of Our Lives,” Giselle Eisenberg “Life in Pieces,” Joey Fatone “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” Jesse Tyler Ferguson “Modern Family,” Lou and Carla Ferrigno “The Incredible Hulk,” and Daniel Franzese “Mean Girls.”
Of course the history of The Pantages Theater is a miracle in itself, with all of its ornate decoration, it adds beauty to any show being offered there.
For an upbeat evening of dancing, singing and entertainment, go see “The King and I.” It will lift your spirits and make you believe that a great musical is well worth seeing.
The King and I
The Pantages Theater
6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 468-1770
hollywoodpantages.com