Cheryl Sharps Photo by Max Voltman

Landmark Musicals with their partnership with Sandia Prep is in an excellent position to produce The King and I. Young singers and dancers are great assets to this production with a cast of nearly fifty and a live orchestra of twelve. It is a mammoth undertaking, and the seasoned resident production team delivers an exciting and glorious show.

Tim Nguyen and Amy Poland anchor the production as the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens. Both are fine actors, and both have excellent singing voices. They also bring humor and a palpable chemistry to their on-stage relationship. Cheryl Sharps as Lady Thiang is a standout with a very well-trained voice. Kevin Chavez and Dahlia Walker are believable as the star-crossed lovers. Young actors Fox Little as Louis Leonowens and Kyle Brunton as Prince Chulalongkorn are excellent singers and actors. The whole cast of singers and dancers comport themselves admirably.

Director Laurie Finnegan has kept this ambitious production on track. The pace of the show never lags, yet time is taken for tender moments. Executive producer Louis Giannini has made decisions that make everything work well. Music directors Shelly Andes and Cheryl Sharps have ensured that the Rockin' JT Foundation Orchestra is excellent and the choral work dynamic. Down to the youngest child, every cast member is completely focused on delivering a heart-felt performance.

Special mention should be made of costume designer Erin Moots and wardrobe manager Gayle Smart. The complicated royal costume pieces are meticulous, as are the voluminous skirts of Anna. Dahl Delu designed the wonderful set just before his death. The production is dedicated to him. All physical aspects of the show work well. Even the follow spot is executed with finesse.

With familiar songs such as "Getting to Know You," "Hello, Young Lovers," and "I Whistle A Happy Tune" reverberating in your head, you will leave the theater with a smile on your face. This production is an early holiday present to Albuquerque. Don't miss it!

The King and I runs through December 1, 2024, at University of New Mexico, Rodey Theatre, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $$25, Seniors $22, and Youth (up to 12) $14. For tickets and information, please call 505-453-8844 or visit landmarkmusicals.org.

Executive Producer and Choreographer, Louis Giannini, Director, Laurie Finnegan, Conductor, Shelly Andes, Music Director Cheryl Sharps, Production Manager, Maddie Baker, Choreographer, Courtney Giannini, Scene Designer Dahl Delu Costume Designer, Erin Moots, Lighting Designer, Diego Garcia.

The Cast: Molly Barker, Laura Bartolucci, Chloe Bowen, Emma Breinholt, Kyle Brunton, Remedios Butcher, Benji Chavez Liberman, Dane Chavez Liberman, Wynn Chavez Liberman, Kevin Chavez, Adrianne Elkins, Maya Epinosa Chavez, Renee, Fluckey, Eva Fuerzas-Zamora, Ellie Garcia, Amanda Gellenfeldt, Jonathan Graff, Dominic Guerra, Sandra Ivanchov, Leslie Jackson, Abigall Keisling, Hannah Keisling, John Keisling, Lilly Keisling, Luke Keisling, Stella Lucero, Fox Lytle, Christo McMaster, Ava Mitchie, Tim Nguyen, Amn Poland, Coral Schroeder, Antoinette Segura, Cheryl Sharps, Jess Stafford, Sabrina Stefanovic, William A. Strohl, Cleopatra Taylor, Amn Thompson, Lisa Thompson, Samantha Thompson, Emma Trapnell, Russell Trapnell, and Dahlia Walker.

Rockin' JT Foundation Orchestra; Mikel Sakamoto, Laurie Lopez, Teigan Basso, Taylor Anne Hiner, Lauren Harris, Luis Delgado, Eric Oliver, Henry Estrada, Alex Flores, Doug Bellen, Mike Anaya, and Lisa Kerr.