Ya Han Chang 我的日記

 
By LAWSON TAITTE / The Dallas Morning News
ltaitte@dallasnews.com

IRVING – "The King and I "is so anchored in performance tradition that it's the hardest Rodgers and Hammerstein musical to bring something fresh to. So Lyric Stage has wisely chosen to go back to the musical's roots rather than look for new angles.

Most notably, this concern for the past means that the Irving company is the first anywhere to play the original Broadway score painstakingly restored by the Rodgers and Hammerstein organization. You can hear the 35-piece orchestra, with its tuba and harp and big consort of strings, punching out and caressing Rodgers' music – and even notice a couple of tunes you probably haven't heard before.

The lavish sets and costumes keep up the feeling of old-style luxury, and Jerome Robbins' dances get a crisp execution. At Friday's opening, the show looked and sounded a little rough around the edges – especially since the light board froze and the first 15 minutes of the second act were illuminated mostly by follow spots.

What has kept "The King and I "most tied to the past is the memory of Yul Brynner as the Siamese king who wants to bring his country into the world community. He originated the role, did the movie and toured forever. Every actor since has to contend with his gestures and inflections.

Joe Nemmers, in his first musical role, cleverly plays off our expectations. He uses many of the old tricks, especially in the songs, but he's his own man – smarter, more dignified and passionate in a different way.

As Anna, the teacher the King hires and comes to rely on, Luann Aronson matches him quality for quality. The number in which the two dance, almost at the end, has never been sexier, as she sheds her shawl and he his coat. Those glimpses of skin convey passion far better than any bumps or grind could.

Under director Cheryl Denson, all the acting is superb – balancing natural feeling against stylization. The performers do occasionally look awkward as they just stand and sing, though. That singing almost matches the acting: Adrian Li Donni as Lun Tha and Ya Han Chang as Lady Thiang are very special indeed.

The audience more than gets its money's worth in this festive 3 ½ hours. 




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