The King and I

The classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical The King and I was beautifully performed by Rockdale Musical Society in every possible element. Every minor detail of the performance was spectacular, and a real credit to the company, its cast and crew. The story, based on Margaret Landon’s novel“Anna and The King of Siam”, is set in Siam in the early 1860’s where the King, wanting to bring Siam into the modern world, employs widowed Mrs Anna Leonowens to help teach his children English.

Anna has been promised a house of her own, for her and her son Louis, although when she arrives she learns very quickly that this isn’t the case. This among other differences in the Siamese culture spark numerous conflicts between Anna and The King. In the end the relationship between Anna and The King becomes a surprising, love-hate relationship, leading to dramatic ending to the show.

The production team have all done an outstanding job, while the production features one of the best sounding 15 piece orchestras that I have heard in a long time in amateur theatre. This was headed by Musical Director and Conductor Ian Buchanan. From the first note of the Overture, you knew you were in for a treat. Credit also to Ian for musically directing the cast, who excelled with all the wonderful numbers in the show. Particularly worthy of mention are Anna’s “Hello Young Lovers”, the King’s song “A Puzzlement” and my favourite of the show, “Something Wonderful”, sung by Lady Thiang, which drew thunderous applause.

Director Cathy Boyle has done a tremendous job in moving her large cast around the stage and making you really feel you were looking into Siam, with her choice of beautiful costumes, minimal but effective Set Design and overall casting of her lead roles.

Keely Soulsby’s choreography was a joy to watch and really complemented Boyle’s direction. The cast all seemed to handle all chorey too, which has been lacking in some shows I have seen of late. The stand out choreography was “The Small House of Uncle Thomas Ballet. Keely had some great dancers used solely in this stunning ballet.

The entire cast of this show was very satisfying to watch, from Stephen Halstead and Chamaine Gibbs as The King and Anna respectively, to the strong and completely focused  King’s children ensemble.

Halstead brought the star role of The King to life with fantastic energy, portraying the stubborn King (that won’t let anyone stand higher than him) to perfection. Vocally Stephen shone in his number “A Puzzlement” really giving the audience a glimpse in the confusions the King undergoes trying to bring Siamese culture into the modern world.

Gibbs lit up the stage in every scene and song she had, playing the warm loving English teacher to the Children of Siam, while her display of stubbornness towards the King was a delight to watch. The scenes she shared with Halstead were thoroughly entertaining.

Tisha Kelemen, playing Lady Thiang the King’s head wife and mother to the heir to the throne, was truly a delight to watch and vocally gave a moving performance of the well known song “Something Wonderful”.

Technically everything ran smoothly and complemented the performers on stage.

Rockdale Musical Society should be commended for bringing this wonderful classic tale to the stage. Don’t miss it, with only one weekend left to go.

James Russell

Photographer: Chloe Snaith