The King and I

The King and I

A fantastic Thai journey at Diamond Head Theatre

One of the most famous musical, “The King and I“ premiered on March 29, 1951 at Broadway's St. James Theatre. During the show’s 60-year run, the musical has been redone so many times on the stage and in the movies. Today, you can enjoy this gallant show at Diamond Head Theatre with your family and friends.

Paolo Montalban, a guest artist from New York, is portraying the King of Siam; Christine Yasunaga, who is portraying Topsy, is a former original dancer in "The Lion King”.

“It is really nice to assembled a fine collection of talented and reliable young performers,” the director/choreographer, Greg Zane said.

Zane wants to bring this marvelous revival to the audience, and bring them back to a gorgeous, regal, romantic 19th-century Thailand.

The show uses some of the most extravagant and exotic costumes, which were designed by Roger Kirk, a world-renown Australian designer. His extensive career includes receiving the Tony Award for Best Costume Design and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design.

“There’s a lot more respect for the Thai culture,” Zane said. “Thai language is spoken, the set design comes from actual pieces that are in the grand palace and it uses Thai motifs and murals.”

“The king and I” is based on the 1944 novel “Anna and the King of Siam” by Margaret Landon and the memoirs of Anna Leonowens. Leonowens became governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam(the old name of Thailand before 24 June 1939) in the early 1860s.

The story revolves around an English widow, "Miss Anna", who accepts a job as a live-in governess of the King of Siam's children. . After a rocky start, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story.

Some of the musical highlights include: "I Whistle a Happy Tune", "Getting to Know You", "Hello Young Lovers", "Something Wonderful" and "Shall We Dance", which...