1/17/08

Lush production, classic story light the stage in Village Theatre's "The King & I"

by Sam Severn

“The King And I,” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic clash-of-cultures musical, has been given the royal treatment in an explosive revival currently shooting off fireworks at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

With a vision of presenting this spectacular show to a new generation of theatergoers, the producers at Village Theatre have created a “King” packed with jaw-dropping sets, thrilling choreography, heart-tugging kids, costumes that are candy to the eye and a romantic story that pierces the heart.

One of Broadway’s most majestic musicals, “The King And I” has swept audiences away since sweeping the 1951 Tony Awards with its tale of forbidden love in the royal household of the King of Siam.

Village Theatre boldly revives this classic for the first time in 25 years. Director Steve Tomkins stages a stunning adaptation, with pomp and grandeur worthy of the Yul Brynner movie version.

The company’s casting is hot as a Bangkok firecracker.

The King is played by Korean pop star and Broadway veteran Michael K. Lee. Younger—and smoother—than  Brynner, Lee still loads the role with testosterone, bare-footed charisma and bare-chested bombast.

Radiant in the role of Anna, governess to the King’s children, is Beth DeVries. A local performer, DeVries brings a Julie Andrews lilt and charm to the stage, and creates an Anna whose passion, and persistent rebellion against the King, melts the heart. She outshines even the bold orange gown and outrageously huge hoop skirts her character dons.

Sublime in the role of her son, Louis, is 12-year-old Mike Klinge, fresh off the reality TV show “Kid Nation.” Supported by a huge troupe of adorable children, two-thirds from Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE program, Klinge and the impish cast spotlight the spirit of the musical. This army of small-fries had the opening night audience wrapped in the palms of their hands and screaming for more at curtain call.

With 32 cast members and over 88 costumes, wardrobe designer Melanie Burgess took on a colossal challenge and created a magical land onstage. Cool and hot colors are used to portray the conflict in the characters as their icy relationship thaws into enduring love. Burgess journeyed to New York City to pillage yards of 1860s fabric to garb her actors. Her work is truly stunning.

Scenic designer Robert A. Dahlstrom showcases the production with huge, dynamic sets and ultra-dramatic lighting. Under the baton of maestro Bruce Monroe, the 19-piece live orchestra, the Village Theatre’s largest in years, mesmerizes with the lyrical and lush Richard Rodgers score. This show has you humming the memorable hit songs all the way out to the street.

“The King And I” remains modern, and popular, for a simple reason: It tells a story with heart. By reimagining one of the most unexpected love stories of all time, this Village Theatre show is sure to draw rave reviews. Audiences of all ages will fall in love with “The King,” for the first time . . . and all over again!

Shows are Wednesdays through Sundays through January 27th at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Avenue in Everett. For tickets and information contact the box office at 425-257-8600 or visit the Web site at www.villagetheatre.org.