Showing posts sorted by date for query Michael Yeargan. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Michael Yeargan. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Wednesday, 27 September 2023

The King and I on tour at the New Victoria Theatre Review: An Enchanting Evening


The King and I (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
★★★★★

Last night the New Victoria theatre came alive with Rodgers and Hammerstein's timeless musical, The King and I. Set in the 1860s, the storyline revolves around the King of Siam, portrayed by Brian Rivera, who hires the intelligent British schoolteacher Anna Leonowens, played by Annalene Beechey, to educate his extensive family. The clash of their personalities and cultural backgrounds sets the stage for a compelling narrative.

The performances showcased a beautiful transformation of understanding and mutual appreciation between the stubborn monarch and the determined British teacher. This transformation is beautifully encapsulated through the touching rendition of 'Getting to Know You' by Anna (Annalene Beechey) and the Royal Children, leaving the audience in awe.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s memorable score stole the spotlight, standing the test of time. The talented cast breathed life into these classic songs, leaving the audience longing for more. The chemistry between the leads was palpable, and both Beechey and Rivera delivered exceptional performances. Beechey's voice charmed the audience, while Rivera's portrayal of the King of Siam was both strong and hypnotic, reminiscent of Yul Brynner's iconic performance at the London Palladium in 1979.

Special mention must be made of other outstanding cast members, including Cezarah Bonner as Lady Thiang and Marienella Phillips as Tuptim, who delivered exceptional performances that enriched the overall experience.

The stage was adorned with a stunning backdrop featuring vibrant colors that transported the audience to the sumptuous world of the King’s Palace, thanks to the masterful designs by Michael Yeargan. Catherine Zuber's costumes enhanced the performers' presence, making them glitter and shine against the opulent palace setting.

The choreography by Christopher Gattelli was a true standout, with intricate dance numbers blending traditional Thai movement with a modern flair. The 'Small House of Uncle Thomas' dance sequence was particularly mesmerising, captivating the audience with its hypnotic beauty and emotional resonance. Generally the show is well paced, although Act 2 might have felt a bit lengthy to some.

In summary, The King and I musical on tour provides a captivating experience, combining talented performers, unforgettable music, entrancing dance sequences, an immersive set, and beautiful costumes. I wholeheartedly recommend this production, and for me, it was undoubtedly a 5 out of 5.

Reviewed on Tuesday 26th September by Glenys Balchin
Photo Credit: Johann Persson

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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Friday, 17 February 2023

The King and I (Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review


The King and I (Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 16th February 2022 
★★★★

A gem of classic musical theatre, The King and I is in top form as it embarks on a sparkling UK tour. brimming with humour and character growth, Bartlett Sher's production is a less menacing version of the show which still provides all you could ask for in a night out at the theatre.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's score is the beating heart of the musical and truly stands the test of time; with stunning overtures and a whole array of musical treats, it’s wonderful to hear such a full and charging score played so well, especially for a touring production with only 11 musicians. Under Christopher Mundy’s musical direction, there’s not a moment of the score which lacks. At times there is a slight lack of balance between the physical instruments and the vocals but this is a minor flaw in a majorly good musical experience.

As English school teacher, Helen George is brilliantly charming, making it clear why the kingdom fall so in love with her. There are moments where her vocals lack oomph and words are occasionally lost but overall her portrayal of Mrs Anna is sugary sweet. To balance, Darren Lee is commanding as the King of Siam and frequently borders the line between scary and kind, but never quite shows a really terrifying wrath. What works well is the excellent chemistry between Lee and George, who from their very first interaction create a frisson of energy which flows throughout the whole piece. The pair bounce off one another so well and have an incredibly natural banter which is really great to watch.

Marnienella Phillips is a complete standout as Tuptim. Her vocal performance is so well supported and her evident classical training really fits the piece. Phillips also nails the emotional aspect when trying to escape with her forbidden love (the vocal powerhouse Dean John-Wilson). Cezarah Bonner is well rounded as Lady Thiang and Caleb Lagayan has some dynamic moments as Prince Chulalongkorn.

This touring version isn't quite as grand as its West End counterpart which is to be expected, but it still manages to boast some great set (Michael Yeargan) pieces which help to bring the sprawling Siam palace Catherine Zuber's costumes are very reminiscent of the time period and really move well on stage. For example in the iconic Shall We Dance number, Mrs Anna's dress shines in the light (Donald Holder) and looks almost magical.

As touring productions go, The King and I really is the cream of the crop. It's pretty long but not a moment drags and it really is all that's good about old school musical theatre. Entertaining and enchanting, this show is well-worth seeing!

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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Friday, 20 May 2022

My Fair Lady, London Coliseum | Review


My Fair Lady
London Coliseum
Reviewed on Thursday 19th May 2022 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

On the eve of Eliza Doolittle day, the London Coliseum was packed to the rafters and buzzing to see the long awaited West End transfer of Lerner and Lowe's My Fair Lady. Bartlett Sher's joyous production had a highly acclaimed run on Broadway and has now opened here, with the glorious Amara Okereke in the leading role. A role that seems made for her.

As Eliza, Amara is astounding in her versatility. From loud, brash and boisterous, she can flip to a calmer, softer side in an instant and is a joy to watch, whatever side she is showing. Taking on the role of Henry Higgins, the phonetics professor who bets that he can transform a cockney flower girl into a Duchess, is Harry Hadden-Paton who is engaging, witty and kind of manic. His relationship with Eliza is interesting and feisty. They are combative throughout but there's also a simmering slow-burn relationship happening that is so enjoyable to watch.

In supporting roles, there are some gems. Malcolm Sinclair is hilarious as Colonel Pickering and Vanessa Redgrave is charming as Higgins' mum. Stephen K Amos also gives a comedic performance as Eliza's dad, Alfred. His vocals are quite as strong as you'd expect but his performance is spirited and exciting.

This really is a sumptuous production, with absolutely beautiful costumes by Catherine Zuber which reference the film nicely but aren't direct copies. The iconic Ascot scene is particularly impressive. In terms of the stage design there are peaks and troughs. Michael Yeargan has crafted a meticulously detailed Edwardian house, which spins on a revolve to to reveal the various rooms. However, the other sets aside from this are somewhat lacklustre and fail to provide the wow factor you'd expect with a production like this. Everything works and effectively tells the story but there's a final sparkle missing that keeps it from being a five star production. There's also the unavoidable issue that Higgins' patronising reaction to Eliza has not aged well at all and his flaws make it hard to really root for him. The open ended closing of the show does help to ease this uneasiness but there's still a lingering awkwardness.

Despite these faults, it really is a lovely production which is chockablock with humour. And whilst is does show its age at times, much of the show feels fresh and Amara gives a starring performance that is worth the ticket price alone. 
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Friday, 19 November 2021

My Fair Lady to Open at the London Coliseum


New York’s Lincoln Center Theater’s critically acclaimed and multi award-winning production of Lerner & Loewe’s much loved MY FAIR LADY will transfer to the London Coliseum for a limited summer engagement in what will be the first major West End revival of the show for 21 years. The season comes as part of the ongoing celebrated tradition of summer musicals at the London Coliseum. The perfect way to celebrate London’s theatre scene as it blossoms once more after the pandemic. Performances begin on 7 May 2022 with an opening night on 18 May 2022.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on 23 November 2021 at 10am. For the latest news and to be amongst the first to access tickets please sign up to the mailing list at www.myfairladymusical.co.uk 

Directed by Bartlett Sher, this sublime production, which premiered in the spring of 2018 at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, was the winner of the Tony Award for Best Costume Design,  5 Outer Critics’ Circle Awards including Best Musical Revival, the Drama League Award for Outstanding Musical Revival, and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Musical Revival and Costume Design. The London production will feature the English National Opera’s award-winning Orchestra playing Frederick Loewe’s ravishing score.

Bartlett Sher said: “Getting a chance to revisit Shaw's extraordinary story of class and privilege in a new age, and especially for London audiences, is a rare and special event.  And I am also thrilled to be back at the ENO and the Coliseum, a perfect space for this epic musical.”

“Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady has returned to Broadway in a smashing new production from Bartlett Sher (The Sound of Music, The King and I).”
The Guardian

“Lavish revival of Lerner and Loewe’s 1956 masterwork…”
The Washington Post

My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady”. But who is really being transformed?

With a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, MY FAIR LADY boasts a score including the classic songs “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” 

“Thrilling! Glorious and better than it ever was! A marvellous and transformative revival.”
New York Times

Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s play and Gabriel Pascal’s motion picture Pygmalion, Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY premiered on Broadway in March 1956, winning 6 Tony Awards including Best Musical, and becoming the longest-running musical in Broadway history at the time. Following this success, the production transferred to London in 1958, where it played in the West End for five and a half years. 

MY FAIR LADY has seen many notable revivals and adaptations, including the acclaimed 1964 film starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, which won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Most recently on the London stage, Cameron Mackintosh’s 2001 revival at Theatre Royal Drury Lane won three Olivier Awards, and later toured across the UK and Ireland in 2005.

James L. Nederlander, Jamie Wilson, Hunter Arnold, Playful Productions and the English National Opera present the Lincoln Center Theater production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY at the London Coliseum, with sets by Michael Yeargan, costumes by Catherine Zuber, lighting by Donald Holder, sound by Marc Salzberg, original musical arrangements by Robert Russell Bennett and Phil Lang, and dance arrangements by Trude Rittmann. 

Full casting for the London production will be announced in due course.

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