The King and Son
Brisbane’s Savoyards Musical Comedy Society stages the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The King and I, with its story of forbidden love, overcoming what is expected of you, clashing cultures, and tradition, from June 17, 2017.
The script and lavish score keep an eye on themes of change and history repeating itself. The past / present / future dynamic of the show has found its parallel in Savoyards Musical Comedy Society Inc’s 2017 production of The King and I.
The part of The King of Siam will be played by Savoyards’ alumni Reindert Toia. As happy coincidences go, The King and I was also Reindert’s first ever production, he played a child of the King in Savoyards’ original production of the show in 1982. This launched him onto a path where he would portray many roles, not only with Savoyards, but also onto the professional stage as a celebrated tap dancer.
Much like the world of The King and I, community is a place that builds traditions, and pulls families closer together, so it is wonderful that Reindert will be sharing the stage with his son, Sage. Holding true to this unique family tradition, in his first time on stage, Sage will be taking the role that his father played, as a child of the King.
Reindert and Sage are joined by a cast of nearly 50 performers, and support by a live orchestra to complete this stunning production.
The King and I features a cast of 44 performers, including 14 youngsters as children of the King, plus a live orchestra.
Venue: Iona Performing Arts Centre
85 North Road, Lindum.
On: 17 June to 1 July, 2017
Bookings: savoyards.com.au or 3893 4321
The Plot
It is the early 1860s when newly widowed Anna Leonowens and her son, Louis, set sail from their native England for Bangkok, Siam (now Thailand). Anna, still grieving, has set her sights on a new adventure and taken a position as the schoolteacher for the royal offspring of the King of Siam.
The King is determined to usher Siam into the modern world, and he thinks Western education can be a part of that – yet, Anna is horrified at first by many of the traditions that he holds dear. Anna and the King struggle to find common ground.
The King is largely considered to be a barbarian by rulers of the West, and he takes Anna on as an advisor, asking her to help change his image – if not his actual practice.
With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King teach each other about understanding, respect, and love that can transcend the greatest of differences.
Images: The princes and princesses of Siam in in Savoyards' 2017 production of The King and I (photographer Christopher Thomas); Reindert Toia and his son, Sage, in Savoyards' 2017 production of The King and I; and Reindert Toia in the children's chorus of Savoyards 1982 production of The King and I.
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