The current North Shore Musical Theater production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “King and I” is back after a 25 year absence under the superb direction of Richard Stafford. Largely known for his role as Lance in “Falcon Crest,” Lorenzo Lamas is an international television, film and stage star and stars as the King of Siam. The show runs until Sunday, October 9th.
The simple but elaborate set immediately sweeps the audience into Anna’s world as she is bound to Siam (current day Thailand) to become the English teacher for the King of Siam’s favored wives and children at the cost of 20 English Sterling Pounds a month. In Siam, Anna makes a fresh start in a new country, its culture and learning palace life. The lovely musical score includes audience favorites such as “Getting to Know You,” “Shall We Dance,” and “I Whistle A Happy Tune.” The choreography by Director Richard Stafford was breathtakingly beautiful and elegantly executed throughout the musical that dazzled the eye.
Overall, this beautiful production was well done; from the gorgeous costumes and choreography. Kudos also goes to the talented cast from the King all the way down to his youngest daughter adorably played by scene stealer and Sampan Columnist Michael Tow’s five-year-old daughter Mikayla Tow. His other daughter Alana plays Princess Yaowlak. Gloucester native Giacomo Favazza is brilliant as Anna’s son Louis and he hits his high notes well. As crown Prince Chulalongkorn, Ellis Gage mixes the right amount of arrogance, childishness and maturity all rolled into one. The other children as well as the King’s other wives are great.
Lorenzo Lama’s interpretation of the King of Siam masterful as the conflicted, masculine leader frustrates our heroine at every turn. Anna Leonowens is brilliant and outstandingly played by Kate Fisher. She imbues Anna with a feistiness that always desires to defy the King but somehow learns to compromise with him. Both complement each other very well.
Manna Nichols shined as Tuptim with her beautiful voice and demeanor. The audience could feel her despair from not being able to be with her beloved. The Kralahome is wonderfully acted by Mel Sagrado Maghuyop by making every word and expression count. Whenever he was on stage, his presence commanded your attention. Lady Thiang (mother of the Crown Prince) elegantly portrayed by Lisa Yuen. The rest of the cast and the ensemble rounded out this wonderful production with solid performances. NSMT consistently puts on high caliber productions and this one continues that tradition.
The simple but elaborate set immediately sweeps the audience into Anna’s world as she is bound to Siam (current day Thailand) to become the English teacher for the King of Siam’s favored wives and children at the cost of 20 English Sterling Pounds a month. In Siam, Anna makes a fresh start in a new country, its culture and learning palace life. The lovely musical score includes audience favorites such as “Getting to Know You,” “Shall We Dance,” and “I Whistle A Happy Tune.” The choreography by Director Richard Stafford was breathtakingly beautiful and elegantly executed throughout the musical that dazzled the eye.
Overall, this beautiful production was well done; from the gorgeous costumes and choreography. Kudos also goes to the talented cast from the King all the way down to his youngest daughter adorably played by scene stealer and Sampan Columnist Michael Tow’s five-year-old daughter Mikayla Tow. His other daughter Alana plays Princess Yaowlak. Gloucester native Giacomo Favazza is brilliant as Anna’s son Louis and he hits his high notes well. As crown Prince Chulalongkorn, Ellis Gage mixes the right amount of arrogance, childishness and maturity all rolled into one. The other children as well as the King’s other wives are great.
Lorenzo Lama’s interpretation of the King of Siam masterful as the conflicted, masculine leader frustrates our heroine at every turn. Anna Leonowens is brilliant and outstandingly played by Kate Fisher. She imbues Anna with a feistiness that always desires to defy the King but somehow learns to compromise with him. Both complement each other very well.
Manna Nichols shined as Tuptim with her beautiful voice and demeanor. The audience could feel her despair from not being able to be with her beloved. The Kralahome is wonderfully acted by Mel Sagrado Maghuyop by making every word and expression count. Whenever he was on stage, his presence commanded your attention. Lady Thiang (mother of the Crown Prince) elegantly portrayed by Lisa Yuen. The rest of the cast and the ensemble rounded out this wonderful production with solid performances. NSMT consistently puts on high caliber productions and this one continues that tradition.
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