The King and I

Moreton Bay based S.Q.U.I.D.S (Southeast Qld Independant Dramatic & Musical Society) production of The King & I, is a spectacular visual feast, showcasing not only the talent onstage but highlighting the talent of the production crew behind the scenes as well.

Moreton Bay based S.Q.U.I.D.S (Southeast Qld Independant Dramatic & Musical Society) production of The King & I, is a spectacular visual feast, showcasing not only the talent onstage but highlighting the talent of the production crew behind the scenes as well. Gordan Ball did a fantastic job in producing such a large scale set with magnificently painted backdrops and beautiful authentic Siamese costuming designed and sourced from Bangkok.

The show was delightful to watch, with the highlight being the ‘play within the play’ in which the impressively young choreographer Tamzin Franz treated us to an oriental stylised performance of The House of Thomas.

Director Deanne Scanlan is to be commended in pulling all the elements together with perfectly cast leads and a 56 strong cast including 12 children, adding colour, vibrancy, and the cute factor to the alright delightful production. The very impressive Chantelle Hill of Murramba Downs played the role of Anna, the English lady who comes to Siam to bring western culture to the country and teach the Kings children and wives. Chantelle was perfect in voice, looks and characterisation for the role of Anna and could easily be cast in a professional production.

Richard Rubendra did a superb job of playing the King of Siam, powerful and endearing at the same time. Meg Kiddle was lovely as Lady Thiang, the King’s head wife and peace-maker and performed a beautiful rendition of ‘Something Wonderful’.

Stephanie Lisch and James Riley played the star-crossed lovers Tuptim and Lun Tha. The role of Lun Tha allowed James to showcase his remarkable tenor voice and Stephanie’s dramatic ability.

The other standout for me was young Gabriel Jassim who played the role of the King’s son with maturity beyond his years.
Overall, a spectacular show both visually and musically and a great night out for the family.

S.Q.U.I.D.S will tour The King & I after opening in Redcliffe, to Gympie, Caloundra and the Gold Coast. For more details on dates, you can check out their website on www.squids.org.au.

www.squids.org.au

Redcliffe Cultural Centre
Phone (07) 3283 0407
Friday 27th May 7:30pm
Saturday 28th May 2pm & 7:30pm
Sunday 29th May 2pm
 
Gympie Civic Centre
Saturday 4th June 7:30pm
Tickets Available at Musicland
36 Mary Street Gympie
Phone (07) 5482 3226
 
Caloundra Events Centre
Phone (07) 5491 4240
www.theeventscentre.com.au
Saturday 11th June 2pm & 7:30pm
 
The Arts Centre, Gold Coast
Saturday 25th June 7:30pm
Phone: 07 5588 4000