This Season I had the pleasure of seeing The King And I two times. Once, I was invited by a family member who has been a member for many years. And last week, I got a press ticket. The production is stunning. The gorgeous costumes by Catherine Zuber were one of my favorite things about this production. The silk dresses worn by the Kings harem were stunning as was Kelli O’Hara’s giant old fashioned ball gowns. I also loved the men’s silk costumes.
Can we also talk about Ruthie Ann Miles. I first met Ruthie when she was in Avenue Q Off-Broadway and had the opportunity to interview her with one of the Avenue Q puppets, and she was really funny. In this production her gorgeous voice shines! ( She was also Off-Broadway last season in Here Lies Love at the Public!)
Kelli O’Hara has the voice of an angel and does an excellent job in this production as well. The children of the King were all fantastic as well, and so was Conrad Ricamora last seen in Here Lies Love with Ruthie.
I adore the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and The King and I is a must see for all musical theater lovers. In terms of award season, I hope that Ruthie Ann Miles, Kelli O’Hara, and Catherine Zuber get nominations for this beautiful production. I was also very impressed with the direction by Bartlett Sher. I do hope this show runs for years on Broadway and in my dreams I would love to see Jose Llana as the King. A girl can dream! (He has a gorgeous voice and I can understand him.)
If you love a big, beautiful old-fashioned musical go and see this production at Lincoln Center. It is worth seeing numerous times. The music, of course, will never leave you. (Getting to Know you, We Kiss In A Shadow, I Whistle A Happy Tune, Shall We Dance, great songs!)
Corine Cohen
