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We are fortunate in this county to have groups that collaborate, especially to bring us extremely enjoyable musical theater. Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra (CATS) has collaborated with InConcert Sierra and Sierra Stages to present an excellent production of “The King and I,” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
“The King and I” is one of the most popular and oft-produced plays in the musical genre. Some think of it as merely a fluff about a British school teacher who is hired in the 1860s by the King of Siam to teach his many children as part of his goal to modernize his country. But it is amazing how avant garde Hammerstein's story and lyrics were. Written in 1951, during a time of American social claustrophobia and political witch hunting, the story openly addresses the touchy issues of gender and cultural bias, slavery, interracial love and national elitism. Of course, Rodgers' lyrical music combines to soften the sometimes barbed commentary.
Leslie Ann Rivers' thoughtful direction of the play honors both the substance of the words and the loveliness of the music. Her actors aren't caricatures but fully developed personalities, allowed their individual opportunities to excel. Combined with seven skilled musicians who are tunefully led from the piano by Music Director, Ken Hardin, the production flows effortlessly from scene to scene. That flow is enhanced by the use of an attractively painted silk curtain to shield the audience from the tedium of set changes, along with action sometimes positioned in front of the closed curtain.
The leads — Jared Lee as the King and Grace Fae as Anna — are each exceptional. They have a very nice chemistry together and individually exhibit great voices, vibrant personalities and an easy energy. They are excellently supported by both the vocal and acting talents of Sharon Heinz as Lady Thiang and Lyra Dominguez as Tuptim, along with a large cast of other adults and adorable children.
Contributing to the overall success of the production is the spare but more than sufficient set, wonderfully designed and painted by Pam Hodges; the gorgeous costumes - especially those for the King and his wives - designed by Sovahn LeBlanc; the lovely choreography directed by George Jayne; the hair and make-up designed by Heather Zolle; and the creative lighting designed by Chris Christensen.
This play was a massive undertaking, successfully accomplished. So if you enjoy good theater and especially if you like well-done Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, don't miss “The King and I,” playing through April 16 at the Nevada Theatre.
Hindi Greenberg knows the words to almost all of the songs in “The King and I,” so she had to bite her tongue to keep from singing along (especially since that would have cleared the theater).
“The King and I” is one of the most popular and oft-produced plays in the musical genre. Some think of it as merely a fluff about a British school teacher who is hired in the 1860s by the King of Siam to teach his many children as part of his goal to modernize his country. But it is amazing how avant garde Hammerstein's story and lyrics were. Written in 1951, during a time of American social claustrophobia and political witch hunting, the story openly addresses the touchy issues of gender and cultural bias, slavery, interracial love and national elitism. Of course, Rodgers' lyrical music combines to soften the sometimes barbed commentary.
Leslie Ann Rivers' thoughtful direction of the play honors both the substance of the words and the loveliness of the music. Her actors aren't caricatures but fully developed personalities, allowed their individual opportunities to excel. Combined with seven skilled musicians who are tunefully led from the piano by Music Director, Ken Hardin, the production flows effortlessly from scene to scene. That flow is enhanced by the use of an attractively painted silk curtain to shield the audience from the tedium of set changes, along with action sometimes positioned in front of the closed curtain.
The leads — Jared Lee as the King and Grace Fae as Anna — are each exceptional. They have a very nice chemistry together and individually exhibit great voices, vibrant personalities and an easy energy. They are excellently supported by both the vocal and acting talents of Sharon Heinz as Lady Thiang and Lyra Dominguez as Tuptim, along with a large cast of other adults and adorable children.
Contributing to the overall success of the production is the spare but more than sufficient set, wonderfully designed and painted by Pam Hodges; the gorgeous costumes - especially those for the King and his wives - designed by Sovahn LeBlanc; the lovely choreography directed by George Jayne; the hair and make-up designed by Heather Zolle; and the creative lighting designed by Chris Christensen.
This play was a massive undertaking, successfully accomplished. So if you enjoy good theater and especially if you like well-done Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, don't miss “The King and I,” playing through April 16 at the Nevada Theatre.
Hindi Greenberg knows the words to almost all of the songs in “The King and I,” so she had to bite her tongue to keep from singing along (especially since that would have cleared the theater).
