The King and I conquers at The Fox

I think it is a safe assumption that most of our generation has some inkling of the bittersweet tale of the King and I; the story has been repackaged several times throughout the years.

Based on Margaret Landon’s novel, Anna and the King of Siam, the story has been told time and time again. Facts from the novel soon became mingled with fiction, and Landon’s work has been taken to the big screen three times (Anna and the King of Siam, The King and I, and Anna and the King).

The most recent movie was released in 1999, which starred Jodie Foster and Yun-Fat Chow. Perhaps the most famous adaptation is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s stage approach. Whichever version you may have seen, it is rather obvious that Anna’s history with the King of Siam has not lost its appeal.

Well, residents of Atlanta now have the privilege of bearing witness to the poignantly restrained friendship between Anna and the King. The show stars Sandy Duncan as the teacher named Anna who decides to teach English to the many children of King Mongkut (Martin Vidnovic). Her adventurous spirit brings her all the way from Wales to Bangkok to serve as the children’s governess.

As a disclaimer, I think I should mention that I have watched all the three movies that I referred to earlier. So, if any comparisons are made, please note that they were unintentional.

Brilliant backdrops and vibrantly hued costumes took the audience back in time to ancient Siam, where women were considered mere “female humans,” and the map of Siam showed the King as a colossus and a ruler of the neighboring “enemy country,” Burma.

The play continually emphasized the deference paid to the ruler, and highlighted the shortcomings of a system where a mere mortal is elevated to dizzying heights, regardless of whether he is worthy of this adulation.

The tone of the play oscillated between mirth and misery all night. I do want to make note that the song “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” was definitely brilliantly executed.

One scene that left an indelible mark on me was when the King and Anna were dancing together after the ball. Despite the lukewarm rapport between Duncan & Vidnovic for the greater part of the evening, it was a heart-warming experience when the moment came between the two characters.

The audience is able to sense and visibly see that they had reached the point where they could let their guards down and let their true feelings for each other show.

I warn that it is easier to relate to a sad story than to one that is sad and funny by turns. The viewer is not touched by this love story, but impressed by a plethora of wonderful songs, the marvelous performance of Ms. Duncan, the supporting cast, and the lavish sets and costumes.

My favorite musical number was “Getting to Know You.” Duncan’s Anna seems at her most maternal, broadminded and tender in her performance. The choreography of the song is superb and the children dance splendidly. The youngsters are the foundation of the play and their talent is amazing.

Special mention must be made to some of the members of the ensemble cast. Catherine Mieun Choi plays Lady Thiang with an understated grace of a woman who loves her husband and wants him to profit from the company of another woman. Lou Castro also is admirable as Prince Chulalongkorn.

It is beyond me to evaluate Martin Vidnovic’s King of Siam. I dearly love Yul Brynner’s performance (1956 movie version) and am sure comparisons will inevitably ensue.

The show is enjoyable as light entertainment, which, I am sure is what it was intended to be. If one doesn’t expect to be profoundly moved at the end of the evening, but pleasantly diverted, I would heartily recommend this play.

The King and I is currently touring at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Performances are held tonight at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost between $20-$58 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the door. Next up at The Fox is Yankee Doodle Dandy.