What a boon the Stephen and Mary Birch North Park Theatre is, especially now that the parking garage is completed. We still await Hawthorn’s Restaurant, but there are plenty of other cafes and watering holes in the neighborhood, enjoying a renaissance due to the restoration of the theater and the primary presence of Lyric Opera of San Diego, unbelievably completing its first season in residence with Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s golden, melodic, 1951 chestnut, “The King and I.”
Hammerstein based his romanticized book upon Margaret Landon’s “Anna and the King of Siam,” an account of her schoolmarm days in Civil War-era Siam.
The resplendent Lyric Opera production, with costumes from American Musical Theatre, San Jose, and Michael Anania’s sets from The Paper Mill Playhouse, David Brannen’s choreography (after Jerome Robbins’ original) and excellent lighting by Matthew Novatny, is directed by artistic director J. Sherwood (Jack) Montgomery and conducted by general director Leon Natker. Performances continue through April 2. Aside from spectacle, the production boasts 29 musicians in the pit, playing the lush, original orchestrations. So it is a true, musical treat, and the acoustic environment is superb.
Though there are many splendid performances, Ronald M. Banks as the King of Siam is the prime example. He sings the role in a rich, virile baritone, and his speaking voice is so commanding that onlookers are tempted to kowtow as lowly toads. Banks, a veteran of numerous Lyric Opera roles, has made The King a major part of his career, and it shows in every moment of his nuanced performance. His performances of “A Puzzlement” and “Shall We Dance?” (along with Kathleen Halm’s Anna) are a pleasure indeed.
In the tragic young lovers department, Martin Sola as Lun Tha and Priya Palenkar as Tuptim are fine, attractive actors who sing accurately, beautifully, even thrillingly, in the duets “We Kiss in a Shadow” and “I Have Dreamed.”
As the King’s number-one wife, Lady Thiang, Sandra Camarena is among the best ever experienced in a lifetime of attending “The King and I.” Dan Hoang has the swagger needed for number-one son and king-in-training, Chulalongkorn. Frequently seen and heard on local stages, the excellent Joe Pechota portrays the stern Kralahome, the King’s prime minister, who turns out to have a heart of gold.
I wish I could commend Halm’s Anna, but I cannot. She manages “Hello, Young Lovers” and “I Whistle a Happy Tune” adequately in the mid to lower range, but her voice lacks focus in the higher register, obfuscating pitch and text.
The children are adorable, especially Heather Ashley Banks as Princess Ying Yaowlak. The 18-member ensemble sings beautifully, and, as always, “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” musical and dance sequence is a highlight.
“The King and I” continues at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 23 and 30; Fridays, March 24 and 31; and Saturdays, March 25 and April 1; and at 2 p.m. Sundays, March 26 and April 2. Tickets range from $26-$40 with discounts for groups. Children 5-17 are half-price.
The theater is located at 29th and University Avenue. Visit www.e-ticketsnow.com or call (619) 239-8836. For information about Lyric Opera, visit www.lyricoperasandiego.com.
