REVIEW The cast of 'The King and I' gives a royal performance

East meets West in a resounding musical production.
By MARGARET NERY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- The auditorium at the DeBartolo Executive Center, 8701 Market St., resounded with familiar music Thursday night as Move Over Broadway Productions staged its outstanding production of the ever-popular "The King and I."
Refusing to be swayed by previous presentations or to be discouraged by comparisons to well-known performers, the unabashed cast staged a stalwart, dramatic interpretation of the play that focused on "how the East was won."
While he won't make theatergoers forget the omnipotent presence of Yul Brynner in the title role of Rogers and Hammerstein's enduring musical, Chuck Simon gave a stellar performance in the role of the swaggering King of Siam.
By the same token, Connie Cassidy was simply delightful as the charming, unflappable governess, Anna Leonowens, a strait-laced British widow who is hired as a governess for the monarch's innumerable offspring but ends up converting the stubborn ruler to the ways of the west.
She is most impressive as she sings such lilting numbers as "Hello, Young Lovers" and "Getting to Know You"' and as she defiantly refuses to become a submissive servant to the stubborn monarch.
Despite differences in cultures and ideology, it is the interaction and the chemistry between the two principal characters that makes this fast-paced musical so absorbing.
It is amusing to watch as the powerful king shows conflicting emotions, trying desperately to cling to ancient traditions while being tormented by the less-staid ways of the west.
Life is puzzling
Despite his bravado, the king admits that life is "A Puzzlement," and begins to acknowledge the fact that he can change with the times. That change is never more apparent than during "Shall We Dance?" The king takes Anna in his arms and learns and enjoys an undignified but a rollicking polka, thus providing one of the most unforgettable scenes in this lively musical.
The subplot revolves around the forbidden love of Tuptim (Heidi Davis) and Lun Tha (Ed Pilolli), which provides one of the serious moments in the otherwise lighthearted production.
And a highlight of the evening is an imaginative ballet performance of "The Small House of Uncle Thomas" which stars several of the youngsters.
Providing support
The strong supporting cast includes Sue Vollmar as the ever-proper Lady Thiang; Tyler Stouffer as Prince Chulalongkorn (the apparent heir to the throne who is afraid he doesn't know how to be king); Tyler Hanes as Anna's engaging son, Louis; Ed Phillips as Kralahome; Tom Hathhorn as Sir Edward; and Chuck Creager as Capt. Orton.
Portraying the royal wives are Wendy Persson, Cherie Stebner, Kate McConnell and Jennifer Kuczek, and rounding out the cast are 20 engaging, scene-stealing youngsters.
Although produced time and again on stage and on screen, area theatergoers will be delighted with this dramatic tale of a feisty governess and a rambunctious king. They will also be impressed by the outstanding voices of cast members in such numbers as "We Kiss in a Shadow," "Something Wonderful" and "I Whistle a Happy Tune."
Directed by Marlene Menaldi Strollo and highlighted by choreography by Nick Opritza, colorful costumes and perfect accompaniment, this performance of "The King and I" is a solid visual and musical production that does credit to the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein.