![]() ![]() ![]() | By Sandra Brooks-Dillard Dec. 14 - Press conferences can go either way, but Hayley Mills and Vee (Victor) Talmadge, who star as Anna and the King of Siam in "The King and I,'' proved personable and forthcoming when introduced at a nice little do in the Wolf Room at the Buell Theatre Wednesday. Talmadge, who looks a lot like Jimmy Smits with a higher hairline, has been with the national tour of the Tony Award-winning '90s reinterpretation of the 1951 Broadway hit for nine months. He said one of the crucial elements of "The King and I'' is that it's an unrequited love story. "There's an immediate attraction beyond the intellectual,'' he said. Interestingly enough, Talmadge said, "It's probably the only Broadway musical love story where the two central figures never kiss.'' But, oh, that waltz. Talmadge, who lives in Oakland but visits friends in Boulder every year, did not complain about being greeted by Denver's cold, snowy weather. "The snow is a refreshing reminder of winter for me,'' he said. Talmadge plays the King with long hair, which he describes as a deliberate choice "to break a visual connection'' with Yul Brynner who originated the role on Broadway and played it in the 1956 Academy Award- winning movie. Mills, who also has seen the Yul Brynner/Deborah Kerr film, added, "If it were made today, it would have a lot more texture to it, and a lot more passion.'' Mills said the demanding role of Anna is only her second musical role. "I did a musical in the 1970s in a theater in England that was not amplified,'' she said. To prepare for "The King and I,'' she said, "I did, and am still doing, vocal training.'' As for developing her character, Mills, who also has been with the tour nine months, said she sees Anna "as someone stepping into a completely alien world. She took her British arrogance with her, and it got her through.'' As for herself, she said, "I'm deeply grateful that I'm still able to earn my living. My career has had its peaks and valleys.'' "The King and I'' is at the Buell Theatre through Jan. 4, presented by Denver Center Attractions, and is doing blockbuster business. As of this week, it is 85 percent sold out. CHRISTMAS WISHES: In early October, designer Gary Douglas' Christmas tree from the Aurora Fox Arts Center's 1996 production of "Nunsense'' was host to the theater wishes of the community. A compilation of the wishes, which were hung on the tree during the 7 Performing Arts Festival, was submitted by Channel 7 producer/director Janet DeRuvo. Now seems a good time to share these wishes, some of which will come true in 1998: More new musicals (The Denver Center Theatre Company will present the world premiere of the new musical "Eliot Ness ... in Cleveland,'' in January.) Original plays (Look to The Changing Scene, Colorado Dramatists, and the long-awaited return of the DCTC's New Play Festival in the spring.) A role in a Broadway show, big or small Producers strive for more Equity houses - "Oliver'' - "The Sound of Music'' (A major Broadway revival is scheduled for 1998.) - "Annie'' (Denver Center Attractions will present a new road tour of the musical in March.) More contemporary shows - "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'' Work with Denver School of the Arts students. Bring back "Christmas Memory '' and "A Child's Christmas in Wales.'' - "Rent'' (Denver Center Attractions is bringing this prize-winning musical to the Buell Theatre in December 1998.) More Shakespeare Dream Dance Form a Denver Drama League-type group Drama Critics - have a voting pool larger than 7 An Actor's Center networking organization - "The Bald Soprano'' Ballet Folklorico More comedy (Neil Simon) Truth, risk and reflections of humanity A lot more free shows Common shows, famous shows, musical shows - "My Fair Lady'' Less expensive tickets To have more fun A food stand More plays with women's stories (Look for the March return of Industrial Arts Theatre's Colorado Women Playwrights Festival. The festival recently had a good audition turnout, but still needs some black actors and actresses, who are invited to audition 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 20 and 21 at the Denver Civic Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive. Call 595- 3800.) - "Jesus Christ Superstar'' Contemporary African Musicals Colorado Playwright's Theatre - only Colorado writers More comfortable seats (Are you listening, Colorado Shakespeare Festival?) - "The Wizard of Oz'' Theater for the blind More plays More people of color in mainstream shows. WHILE ROME BURNS: So what's up with Gary Lane, manager of Denver's theater and arenas, and Jeff Krump, the department's director of marketing? Both have been suspended from their jobs, and Krump is facing arson charges for allegedly setting another executive's trash can on fire as a prank. Too bad the department couldn't channel all that excess energy to better use, like sitting down to solve the atrocious parking problems theater and symphony patrons encounter on a regular basis. |