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NODA North West Magazine

KING & I (1993)

Macclesfield Majestic Theatre

Producer: - Anne Bennett
Choreographer: Angela McIntyre
Musical Director: - Sheila Kent

One day, Gertrude Lawrence swept in to the offices of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein and asked, "Please, can you write me a musical of this?" This being the 1944 Margaret Landon Anna and the King of Siam - an adaptation of the governess' autobiography. Being the consummate artists they were, the talented pair obliged. We thus have much to thank them for bequeathing one of the most finely crafted Broadway musicals to generations of delighted theatregoers.

This production was visually attractive and the music nicely paced. In the opening of Act II the ladies sang well and the children, as always, were delightful - particularly Gemma Moss (Princess Ying Yaolak) not least for the clarity of voice. James Denton tried very hard with his part as Louis and Jonathon Weinberg as Prince Chululongkorn is improving with every production. Don Riseley's Kralahome was a man of power but always subservient to the King.

I enjoyed the performance of both Carolyn Farrish (Tuptim) and Andrew Lebeter (Lun Tha) who were engaging lovers in their duets but gave us more insight into the characters than one sometimes sees.

Denise Holian, although vocally was rather too light for this particular part, by her presence and graceful gestures - and an ability to put over her number - was an ideal Lady Thiang.

Helen Hayes-Wilson was convincing as Anna Leonowens. She delivered her dialogue clearly and sang her numbers with ease.

My commiserations must go to Tony Slater, who, after landing the wonderful role of the King, badly damaged his Achilles tendon two weeks before opening. I wish him a speedy recovery. True to the finest traditions of the amateur theatre movement, Fred Plant, of Prestwich AODS, stepped immediately into the role, adapting himself with apparent ease to a new producer, cast and different stage moves to give the audience a strong portrayal of the King.

Choreographer Angela McIntyre adapted the ballet in a simple, but effective, way. One of my plaudits of the evening goes to the unknown (one of eleven) beautiful dancer who, as 'poor' Eliza, gave one of the best performances of this part I have seen.

Anne Bennett needs more expertise with her stage moves and stage crafts, but she should be please with this, her first, production. In her programme notes she stated, "I hope you are well entertained." I certainly was.