Style of the City attended a viewing of the multi-award winning and critically acclaimed production of Rodger and Hammerstein’s The King And I. After it’s record-breaking sell out at London Palladium, The King And I, have jumped straight into a world tour.
The King And I tells a story of a widowed mother, Anna Leonowens, who becomes an English tutor to the wives and many children of the King of Siam. Set in the 1860’s, Anna and the King have many disagreements regarding how he chooses to rule over the people of Siam. The stubborn King takes a liking to her, as does Anna, though neither will properly admit it.
The Wales Millennium Centre was the perfect venue for the production as it feels classic and timeless. While we waited for the show to start, we had a lovely drink in the Fresh Bar and Kitchen. We had a clear view of the whole stage in the mid stalls, near the beautiful orchestra. The theatre was full of people excited to see what the Lincoln Center Theater’s take on the classic.
The performance was outstanding from the start to the very end! Jose Lana, who played King of Siam, was exceptional throughout, giving us two sides of the King. He had us laughing and crying! The vocals from the cast were pristine and moving, especially Jessica Gomes-Ng, who played Toptim! Maria Coyne, who played Anna Leonowens, performed beautifully and elegant, it was lovely to see the relationship between Anna and the King.
The classic musical from the golden age of musicals, included the well-known song, Getting to Know You and Whistle a Happy Tune and Shall We Dance? all in which were performed remarkably. Every dance was exquisite, they were truly mesmerising to watch. The bright colours and gorgeous backdrops took us somewhere else and made it Siam.
Full of laughs, tears and excitement, the whole show was phenomenal, from start to finish, especially the children, who were so heart-warming. I loved the performance, and would definitely recommend going to see the show, you won’t be disappointed!
The King And I will be in Wales Millennium Centre until January 18th, 2020.
For tickets, please visit – https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2020/the-king-and-i/
