This affection cannot stem the ultimate clash between East and West, and The King and I's bittersweet ending gives it an emotional power rare in musical comedy. It is a satisfying performance, and not even the fact that Mills is, at best, a pleasant singer can mar its effectiveness. Produced by ASU Public Events and starring Hayley Mills and Vee Talmadge. Free, but lots usually are full 30 minutes before curtain. Suitable for all ages.
Mills brings every number to dramatic life, and that's sufficient.
By providing audiences with a forceful, admirable, honest Anna, Mills serves her king very well. In any case, there are other voices, trained and lovely, to compensate. If theatergoers are disconcerted by this production, it will be by the performance of Talmadge as the king. The years since his death have not diminished the memories of Yul Brynner in the part. Wisely, director Christopher Renshaw has allowed Talmadge to find his own image.