REVIEW: Post-overture, Welk's 'King' a regal offering

By CHARLENE BALDRIDGE - For the North County Times | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 9:42 AM PDT ∞

When you first meet the marrow-chilling, synthesized and over-amplified overture, you think it's a return to the bad old days. Once past that, however, Welk Resort Theatre's "The King and I" knocks your proverbial socks off with a series of dazzling performances, accompanied mostly by keyboard and drum. Perhaps the synthesizer is a compromise to accommodate Andrew Hammer's lovely set, but just one live violin would have been wondrous and forget the rest.

Some may dismiss the 1951 musical as a kitschy and romanticized view of Siam as written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and based on Margaret Landon's immensely popular 1944 novel, "Anna and the King of Siam." Landon's book concerns Anna Harriett Leonowens' experience as governess to the children of King Maha Mongkut of Siam (now Thailand).

The 1951 musical is arguably the most perfect ever written, bursting with songs like "Hello, Young Lovers," "We Kiss in a Shadow," "Getting to Know You," "Something Wonderful" and "Shall We Dance?"

Seldom does one see so well acted and well sung a production as Welk's, which is ably staged by Welk regular Jon Engstrom, who also choreographs.

The King is zestfully played and gloriously sung by Jeff Griggs, who is tall, buff, engaging, passionate and extremely touching. His hairstyle is similar to that worn by Lou Diamond Phillips in the 1996 revival. His performance is truly "Something Wonderful" and absolutely worth a return visit. Of all the men ever witnessed in the role, and they have been numerous, Griggs is unique, so meticulous in every aspect of his portrayal that he could make one forget Yul Brynner, the original Broadway King on stage and in the 1956 film.

Victoria Strong is a top-notch Anna as well. She has a smooth vocal delivery, a powerful stage persona and great acting ability. Whether with the King, his No. 1 wife, Lady Thiang (Yoly Tolentino) or the young lovers Tuptim and Lun Tha (Janelle Velasquez and Ryan Cusino), she is fully present and emotionally expressive. Jamen Nanthakumar is a fine Prince Chululongkorn, the King's eldest son and heir to the throne.

The production's other outstanding singer is Tolentino, who trained as an opera singer. She is most impressive vocally, always on pitch, producing ravishingly beautiful sound, throughout her range. She understudied and performed Lady Thiang in the 1996 Broadway revival. Worthy of mention as well is Walker Clark's fine portrayal of the prime minister, Kralahome, a role usually played just for intimidation. Clark's characterization is so vivid that one fully understands the man's motivations. His impassioned denunciation of Anna is devastating.

Despite the Welk's small stage, the "Little House of Uncle Thomas" ballet is most effective, and the hordes of English diplomats they entertain are scarcely missed.

"The King and I"

When: 1:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; through July 27

Where: Welk Resort Theatre, Lawrence Welk Resort, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido

Tickets: $58-$63, includes buffet lunch or dinner; $44-$47, show only

Phone: (760) 749-3448

Web: www.welktheatre.com

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