THE  KING  AND  I   at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre

(Seen  May 2, 2015)


From the opening scene, with a huge ship approaching the audience, while underneath a full orchestra, visible to the audience,  is playing the overture, THE KING AND I sails into our collective hearts.

It is an enduring Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece of musical theatre, still fresh and meaningful through multiple revivals.  As directed by Bartlett Sher, it scores as an outstanding musical treat.

Its' huge cast is headed by Kelli O'Hara, who sings and moves and acts like she is a person in charge of her life.  Ken Watanabe's King is impressive, and Anna's son is given life by Jake Lucas, in an impressive depiction of a young man of his times.

The entire cast is most impressive --- the King's wives, his many children, a pair of young lovers, and the people who serve them all.

The setting throughout --- not only the ship's arrival --- maintains the feeling of spectacle while being simple and decorative.

A very welcome revival at Lincoln Center!