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`King and I' is a royal spectacle By JOANNE MILANI of The Tampa Tribune CLEARWATER - It will transport you to a truly foreign land, this sumptuous Australian production of ``The King and I'' at Ruth Eckerd Hall through Sunday.
There are many good reasons why the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical has captivated audiences since its 1951 debut. It has memorable melodies such as ``Shall We Dance,'' ``Hello, Young Lovers'' and ``Getting To Know You.''
And it has vividly drawn characters such as Anna, the Victorian schoolmarm (played by former Disney star Hayley Mills) and the proud, vulnerable King of Siam (Vee Talmadge).
But it has taken a man from the land where East meets West, Australian director Christopher Renshaw, to truly understand the clash between British colonialism and an Orient rich in tradition.
And it takes a director of the 1990s to underscore the multi-culturalism and feminism latent in the original show.
There's also spectacle here. This lavish, $5.5 million, red and gold production sports chanting monks, incense, glimpses of Thai art and architecture and snatches of spoken Thai.
From the moment Anna's boat docks in Bangkok, you know you are in a foreign land.
Mills' voice is not overwhelming, but she adds warmth and a crisp British presence to the show.
Talmadge is endearing and captivating as the 19th century king who imports an Englishwoman to teach his children. As far as singing goes, it's Luzviminda Lor as Tuptim, the king's concubine, whose voice fills the house.
In the end, this top-notch revival - Australia's first-ever export to Broadway - sports the heart and soul that has made the musical a classic.
It certainly will capture your heart and soul.
- Joanne Milani is the Tribune's theater critic. She can be reached at (813) 259-7569.
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