I
can’t remember when I first became aware of the film in which two
people from very differing worlds became aware of a growing forbidden
attraction. Yul Brinner and Deborah Kerr were the two actors
immortalized in celluloid the film “The King and I”.
 In
its latest incarnation, Kevin Reed plays the title role of ‘The
King’ in Rosyth and District Musical Society’s “The King and I”,
the “I” being Anna Leonowens who in this production is Clare McGarr.
Kevin has been seen in several other shows in Fife over the past few
years, The King is possibly the pinnacle of his career so far.
His lovely voice is not given a chance to shine due to the
King’s musical numbers being spoken more than sung.
His stage presence is glamorised somewhat by the snazzy wardrobe
of clothes used to guild the Royal Peacock.
Clare McGarr may declare Anna is her first principle role but it
most certainly will not be her last. Claire has a superb voice and
reacted well to both the King and all the children.
Her background and training was obvious from the start. The lovely connection between the two characters is displayed
particularly during the number ‘Shall We Dance’ the iconic scene
which epitomizes this particular musical.
Erin
Gilliand-Patterson and Paul Ellard as Tuptim and Lun Tha are the
passionate yet terrified star-crossed lovers, whose affair, when
discovered drives a wedge between the King and Anna.
 Cammy
Brown as Anna’s son Louis did very well for a youngster.
James McIvor as young Prince Chululongkorn displayed a little
more confidence which suited his arrogance as heir apparent. The
interaction between the two boys was unfortunately a little samey, not
quite displaying the initial antagonism and then growing respect.
James
Parvin as The Krahalome was pleasantly arrogant.
Karen
Ellard as Lady Thiang, was on occasions outstanding and threatened to
steal the show she has a lovely voice and good stage presence.
As
usual during the musical number ’The March of the Siamese Children’
many of the younger children got oohhs and ahhs.
The
King and I is one of the first productions of Fife’s many amateur
companies to tread the boards this spring with a large number of shows
following on leaving us spoiled for choice.
|