Colourful family entertainment

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33492, 25 March 1974, Page 12

Colourful family entertainment

Colourful entertainment was the order of the day at the James Hay Theatre on Saturday night for the Christchurch Operatic Society’s production of “The King And I,” produced by Marjorie Marshall, with musical direction by Barrie Shakes.

Apart from one or two instances of first-night nerves, the production ran smooth and without technical hitch, before a responsive audience.

ing to bring Western culture to his country. They provided a strong lead, although the words of James Moynihan’s songs could not always be heard, and the orchestra, in places, almost drowned his voice.

The court of the King of Siam in the mid-nineteenth century is a colourful and exotic setting for Anna Leonowens (Marybelle Chant), the English schoolteacher who comes to teach the Royal children. The King (James Moynihan) is attempt-

Tupti (Hope Parkinson), brought from Burma as a gift for the King, provided the narration for the ballet; “The Small House of Uncle Thomas,” in the second act. The story of "Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” choreographed byGeorge Williams, was an outstanding feature of the production, with effective lighting and costumes. The children of the court, led by Alan Barry as Anna’s son, Louis, and Kevin Clay as Prince Chululangkarn, the Crown Prince, played their parts with conviction, and were very popular with the audience. The children were drawn from alternate groups by ballot for the opening night. “The King and I,” which will be produced until April 6, is cheerful and amusing family entertainment. —R.H.