Mags on the amazing CIS performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "THE KING AND I "
by Mags, 19 December 2008
The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts Drama Theatre recently hosted three evening performances of the timeless musical "THE KING AND I " performed by the incredibly talented students from Chinese International School.
Rachel Z and Laurence L who played the roles of Anna Leonowens and of Prince Chululongkorn respectively, had special star appeal. I would even venture to say that their performances merited the prestigious Tony Awards. For me, it's always a joy to know that there are people who are talented and gifted, no matter in which field those talents lie.
To see and experience excellence, whether in a performance of "THE KING AND I ", in a masterful painting that speaks volumes, or in reciting the words of a poem that captures the essence of a particular moment, these are the things that make life worth living... for it is through these transient experiences that we can feel those connections to excellence in ourselves, it's a way of setting the standards that much higher. The best thing about expecting more from people, is that people will most likely rise to the occasion. The reverse is also true.
With "THE KING AND I ", I feel also as if my life has come full circle. The first play I ever saw on a stage was "THE KING AND I " starring the one and only, the original king himself - Mr. Yul Brenner, who also played the king in the movie version. Anyone who's seen the movie version would agree, there can be no other KING after Yul Brenner... In this CIS cast some familiar names at the helm - Phil Whelan from RTHK's "Morning Brew" program, and Elissa Rosati as musical director and choreographer.
Besides having lots of absolutely adorable little children singing and chattering, gorgeous exotic costumes, an interesting - somewhat factual - story, these two songs make "THE KING AND I " one of my all time favorite musicals:
Rachel Z did an amazing job of performing these two numbers, and I still cannot believe that she is in fact a student in High School and not a professional actor!
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