King and I reviews?

The King and I
Regal Theatre
Saturday Matinee

I will never go to a matinee performance again. The reasons have nothing to do with show itself, just the audience. Talking during songs, mobile phones ringing during the death scene, clapping along as if the waltz was a barn-dance, munching on a huge bag of prawn crackers etc etc etc. Anyway, on to the show itself.

I had the pleasure of seeing Joe Isaia in the role of the King (matinee = understudy) and thought his performance was amazing. The energy and power of his performance was wonderful to watch. He made the show for me. Kathy Jenkins as Anna was gorgeous to watch and listen to. The supporting cast were also strong with stand out performances by Daniel Mitton as The Kralahome and Charles ? as Lun Tha. I thoroughly enjoyed the principal performances.

However, this show is not worth $35-$50 a ticket. I understand that proceeds are going to a good cause (MS Society) but for that sort of money you do expect a lot more. This was not a great show - and not because of the Principals. The whole thing just had an "average" feel (cast excepted, of course). The chorus looked tatty, the set looked sad, the microphones didn't work and so on. The MS Society are so focused on making money that they have neglected the basics. I am sure they are making plenty of money out of this considering the actors didn't get paid and they have a sold out season.

These things aside it is Rodgers and Hammerstein - just a bit of entertainment which is family friendly but very long. It was enjoyable - all because of the principal cast who did a great job.