Set in Bangkok, Thailand in the 19th century, the musical is the story of Anna, an adventurous, widowed Englishwoman who accepts a position teaching the many children of the stubborn and domineering King of Siam. She's been hired to teach them English, manners and Western ideas. As it turns out, her main job is that of civilizing the king. This musical revival of the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, originated in Australia under the guidance of British director Christopher Renshaw, who cast Hayley Mills in the role of Anna. And is Vee Talmadge, the actor who plays the King of Siam, strong enough to make the audience temporarily forget Brynner, the charismatic bald actor who originated the Broadway role and won an Oscar for his part in the movie.
Mills can sing.
Not sensationally, but well enough. Her undeniable charm and spunkiness are well-suited to the part of Anna, a woman unwilling to be bullied by the king. As for Talmadge, he's neither overly commanding or weak. He's substantial enough to convey the impression of a spoiled king. Director Renshaw's experience as an opera director is evident.