By Les Spindle for Backstage West
King and I

Of all Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, this one continues to feel the least dated, because its themes of East-West culture clashes and the eternal yin-yang power struggle remain funny, heartrending, and pertinent. Musical Theatre West offers a generally solid revisit to this 1951 Broadway favorite, bolstered by tastefully ornate design elements and good performances.

Director-choreographer Roger Castellano avoids a by-the-numbers rehash of this musical drama, which is particularly evident in his casting of the two leading players. One instantly notices that the customary baldness of the King of Siam has been jettisoned, with Daniel Guzman in the role of the chauvinistic monarch. Guzman plays the character with less of a caustic edge than per the usual interpretation. This approach puts a fresh spin on the budding attraction between English governess Anna (Elizabeth Ward Land) and the King, but it also partially flattens the juicy dramatic confrontations. Land is likewise more subdued than the typical women's-lib crusader Anna. Guzman does a fine job with his pompous comic soliloquies, and Land's gorgeous soprano voice ensures that the evergreen ballad "Hello, Young Lovers" lives up to expectations. In the joyous "Shall We Dance?" the nervous sexual chemistry between the two is initially evident, but Castellano doesn't build the number properly; it doesn't quite reach its potential as a pivotal arc in this relationship.

A fine characterization and a lovely rendition of the poignant "Something Wonderful" are achieved by Suzanna Guzman as the devoted Lady Thiang. Praise is also due for Cherrie Cruz and Richard Bermudez as the doomed young couple Tuptim and Lun Tha, respectively; they are at their best in the soaring duet "I Have Dreamed." The well-balanced ensemble excels, particularly in the artfully staged "The Small House of Uncle Thomas" ballet segment. The uncredited sets are ravishingly beautiful, as are the uncredited costume designs, coordinated by Todd K. Proto, and Steven Young's lush lighting design. Dennis Castellano's music direction serves the classic score well. All in all, MTW serves up a royally entertaining revival.

11/10/2005

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