The iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical production of The King and I, set in the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) in the 1860’s is about to finish it’s West End run, and it’s one you really should see before it departs. The magical costuming and set design that saw the team walk at least five miles per day looking for the perfect fabric and trims, and import fans and singing bowls 5,870 miles around the world from Japan, is a sight to behold. And that’s before we even get to the 16-minute ‘Small House of Uncle Thomas’ ballet in Act 2. The ballet is a scene so exquisite and breathtaking it’s a wonder we were all still breathing by the end of it.
Shall We Dance?
From the very first number, ‘I Whistle a Happy Tune’, Kelli O’Hara shone as Anna with her soprano voice and captivating stage-presence. She won the Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical in the 2015 revival of The King and I on Broadway, and although she claims in various interviews that the music in the King and I is slightly too low for her vocal range, it’s impossible to notice. She handles the notes with ease and has a gorgeous, rich tone to her voice.
Fun Fact: O’Hara was trained by Florence Birdwell, the same vocal professor who trained Kristin Chenoweth (best known for her role in Wicked).
None of the cast are weak, each of them are quality singers, actors, and dancers, with Ruthie Ann Miles as Lady Thiang and Na-Young Jeon as Tuptim in particular stealing the stage numerous times throughout. The King and I is Oscar-nominated Ken Watanabe’s debut on the West End (he is best known for his film roles, specifically Memoirs of a Geisha and The Last Samurai), however his powerful performance earned him a standing ovation and rousing cheers from the crowd multiple times throughout the show.
Although the 16-minute ballet comprising of both traditional ballet and Siamese dancing is impressive to watch, and a desperately loved part of the production, it does make the musical a long one. The evening performance starts early at 7pm to account for the length, with the entire show totaling 2 hours and 55 minutes (with one 15-minute intermission).
It really isn’t difficult at all to fall in love with The King and I, the entire musical glistens and dances just as beautifully as the cast, mesmerizing the audience into a bright-eyed trance of reverence.
How to buy tickets for the King and I
The King and I ends its West End run at The London Palladium on 29th September 2018. Book your tickets now.
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Louise Walker is AGLAIA’s Editor in charge of all content creation and management. She splits her time between London and Miami, and can always be found at a swanky hotel bar sipping on a Negroni. Contact her for any questions or if you would like to become an AGLAIA Contributor: hello@aglaiamagazine.com
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