Review
Ilkley Gazette, March 6, 2008
Geoffrey Mogridge reviews The King and I by Ilkley Amateur Operatic Society.
‘I Whistle a Happy Tune’, ‘Getting to Know You’, ‘Hello Young Lovers’ and ‘The March of the Siamese Children’ are just four of the unforgettable melodies in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s spectacular musical play.
It is 30 years since Ilkley Amateurs last produced ‘The King and I’. The opulent setting of the Royal Palace in mid-19th century Bangkok makes enormous demands on everyone involved in a production of this most exotic and glamorous of shows – from the costume and scenery designers to the hairstylists, make-up team and every member of the cast who are required to move, look and sound Siamese. Everyone, that is, except the uncompromising, upper-crust young English woman Anna Leonowens, who with her son Louis, arrives to take up the post of school teacher and governess to the King of Siam’s children. Anna captures the hearts of the autocratic Monarch and his family, eventually becoming mentor to the young Crown Prince Chuluongkorn as he prepares to take the throne.
Katrina Wood’s delightful portrayal of the feisty Anna captures every facet of the character and she projects her songs with such ease and charm. Peter Whitley’s King is a powerful but ultimately vulnerable and poignant figure. The sparks fly as this well-matched pair glide around the stage in their exuberant ‘Shall we Dance’ number. Stephanie Burgess, as Lady Thiang, gives pleasing renditions of her songs ‘Something Wonderful’ and ‘Western People Funny’, whilst Dale Chadwick brings his formidable presence to the role of the Kralahome – the King’s First Minister. A sub-plot depicts the affair between Lun Tha and Princess Tuptim, enabling the composer to introduce a pair of ‘juvenile’ romantic leads. These are played by Fraser Wilkinson and Pip Barton – stars of last year’s production of ‘West Side Story’ – their voices deliciously blending in the duets ‘We Kiss in the Shadow’ and ‘I Have Dreamed’. Jamie Rogers – another shining young star of ‘West Side Story – gives a finely crafted performance as Prince Chululongkorn and Bradley Judge and Nick Bellwood give confident portrayals of Anna’s son. Mike Smith and Tim Ratcliffe present solid re-assuring figures as Captain Orton and British Ambassador Sir Edward Ramsey. The 15 Royal Children are cast from the Society’s talented Junior section and the Royal Wives, Amazons and the King’s Guards are played by members of the versatile Ilkley Amateurs’ chorus.
Everything gels in Jonathan Tate’s fluid and fast moving production of this classic and it looks great – thanks to Andrew Walbank’s picture book scenery and a glittering array of costumes created by the indefatigable Pam Clark. Choreography by Andrew Walton conveys the essential Siamese elegance and flow – particularly in the lavishly staged Uncle Tom’s Cabin ballet. Sylvia Shepherd and her orchestra inject the musical score with vitality but some careful adjustment to balance will ensure that Tuptim’s important narration of the ballet is fully audible.
