Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I, which opened this week at Indianapolis’ Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, is celebrating its 73rd year of existence. Opening on Broadway in March of 1951 to solidly positive reviews, the show has since enjoyed a long series of productions all over the world. It made a star of Yul Brynner and won the 1952 Tony Award for Best Musical.
B&B director Brian Jose develops a production rich in talent, design, and diversity. With musical direction by Kristy Templet and choreography by Jennifer Ladner, Jose strikes a triumph in his directorial debut. Keying on the diverse characters in the script, we gain focus on cultural differences and attempts at better understanding.
The cast is led by Hannah Louise Fernandes as visiting school teacher Anna Leonowens, who with her stunning soprano voice sets a bar for excellence. A consummate performer, Ms. Fernandes is engaging throughout and provides a strong characterization of a woman somewhat ahead of her times. Siam’s King Mongkut is offered by Jae Woo in a sharply clever performance. Highly animated and confident in his position as ruler, Woo’s King effectively utilizes a wide berth of emotions – from the humor of his curiosity to a harsh outrage. As a pair, Woo and Ms. Fernandes provide much entertainment, especially in their enlightening conversations and in “Shall We Dance.”
Hannah Louise Fernandes as Anna Leonowens and Jae Woo as King Mongkut in The King and I. (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
Secondary roles are filled with a plethora of skillful performers from around the country and the world. Actors and actresses with roots in Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Hong Kong have come together for this production. Highlights include Nathalie Cruz as Lady Thiang, whose enchanting solo work in “Something Wonderful” is a pleasure to experience. Also, “We Kiss in a Shadow” as rendered by the lovers Lun Tha (Yu Hin Bryan Chan) and Tuptim (Alice Jihyun Kim) is sweetly moving. And the company’s presentation of “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” is colorful, bright, and charming. Finally, the cadre of little princes and princesses provide some adorable moments.
Ryan Koharchik’s lighting scheme augments Michael Layton’s fine set design, and costume coordinator Kathy Henry makes good use of her resources. Kristy Templet flawlessly leads the orchestra through the detailed score.
Bottom line: a top-notch cast supported by B&B’s always remarkable designers and musicians give this musical from the deep past a freshness and liveliness that lifts one’s spirit. Congratulations to all involved – personally, I prize this high level of musical theatre.
The King and I continues at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre through May 19. Show times and reservation availablity can be viewed at BeefAndBoards.com or call the box office at (317) 872-9664.
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