Date: Fri 18-Dec-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

King-Shubert-Brynner-Rogers

Full Text:

(rev "King & I" @Shubert)

Theatre Review-- "King And I" Is As Timeless As Ever

By June April

NEW HAVEN - Furry toys, giggling creatures, and cute and well-marketed

"vegetable infants" are enjoyed by youngsters everywhere. That is, for a

little while.

Childhood recollections of one's first experience with musical theatre will

shine brighter and longer than those material offerings, especially when it is

a shared memory.

Spectacular costumes, 15-plus wonderful songs, and a meaningful story make The

King and I , which continues at the Shubert Performing Arts Center until

December 27 (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day performances), a very

special holiday gift to give to somebody one cares about.

Greatness punctuates this play. The music and lyrics by the incomparable duo

of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II are as delightful, poignant and

memorable as when they were first heard in 1956, when it debuted on Broadway.

There actually was an English school teacher, one Anna Leonowens, who went to

Siam (now Thailand) to teach the 67 children of the king. That was at the time

of our Civil War in the 1860s. Based on the novel Anna and The King of Siam by

Margaret Landon, a movie was made in 1946 in which Rex Harrison played the

king.

When The King and I became a musical for the stage, the world premiere took

place at the Shubert in 1951. The current production is dedicated to the

memory of the legendary Jerome Robbins, who originally choreographed the

fantastic dance sequences.

And of course, there was that relatively unknown actor, Yul Brynner, who was

selected to play the male lead. Critical and popular acclaim, and over 1,200

performances, link that role forever for those who experienced The King and I

with Mr Brynner.

The children's roles are endearing. They bring tears and smiles to audiences

of all ages. The story is timeless. It is about love - forbidden love and

unspoken love.

The trials of a head of state are explored, as are the concerns of

exploitation by larger and more powerful countries. The King and I addresses

the importance of education to progress, and the nature of courage, and the

roles and rights of women.

Yet these aspects are not what unfold when watching this play. It is the

luscious sets, the elegant and exotic costumes, the incredible music and

entrancing storyline that grips the mind and eye.

The King and I is an opportunity to give and share. With the New Haven

production, the revival is still the stuff dreams are made of.

(Tickets for The King and I range from $28 to $60. Performances are Tuesday

through Sunday, with matinee and evening shows scheduled. Call the Shubert's

box office, 562-5666, for curtain times and other information.)