<div dir="ltr"><div><div>Hathaway Brown Theatre Institute - The King and I<br></div>review by: John Guinan, published on <a href="http://www.theatremom.org"><em>theatremom</em></a><br><br><p>Hathaway Brown Theatre Institute's production of <a href="http://www.fredsternfeld.com/hbti_productions_2013.htm" title="HBTI The King and I" target="_blank"><strong><em>The King and I</em></strong></a>
was beyond exceptional. The attention to detail along with the
passionate performances made for a great show. I thoroughly understand
that having a child in the show makes it somewhat hard to be objective,
however, any praise I have for the show is stated with confidence
because every aspect of the show was that good. I am very glad (and
lucky I guess) that the first member review can be of this show, as it
is easy to find positive aspects to mention. I do believe that my being
close to the show gives this review a very unique perspective because I
am keenly aware of all of the hard work that went into getting it right.</p><p>The
show opens strong and carries the enthusiasm all the way through the
curtain call. Many of the cast members where visibly emotional taking
their bows, which shows you what it meant to them and what they put into
the performance. While most plays share many commonalities, I always
look for the little things - the defining moments or aspects that make
or break a production. Attention to detail can make a good show great.
There were many moments like that in <a href="http://www.fredsternfeld.com/hbti_productions_2013.htm" title="HBTI The King and I" target="_blank"><strong><em>The King and I</em></strong></a><em> </em>-
The vocal performances were all stellar,and I do mean all; The solo
vocal performances were so strong and on point you could almost feel the
audiences appreciation. The ensemble cast was very crisp and devoted in
their roles, and really adhered to one of my motto's - <em>every role is the most important role in the show, and should be played as such</em>.
The costumes were fantastic, and their were many changes, our kids
marveled at how beautiful and vibrant they were. The next day our little
ones searched the house for similar garbs to reenact what they had
seen. Going back to my unique perspective, having a child who was not a
principle, my eyes watched the entire stage and I was so impressed by
the choreographing. It looked as though the stage was built around the
musical - which made it play out great.</p><p>This review is from my
viewing of the show, as I experienced it. I believe the theatre is a
living, breathing entity so I did not go home and ponder what to write
or think back on moments. This is <strong>my</strong> honest opinion,
and I have seen hundreds of shows. A really good gauge as well is how
much our children enjoyed it. Our 5, 6, and 8 really loved it and they
followed it, which except for maybe Annie, they sometimes have problems
doing. The theatre's temperature for me was perfect, which means it was
very cold; the refreshments could have been a little better and perhaps
re-positioned, all of which complement the experience but take nothing
away from the amazing performance as a whole. I will leave you with
what my answer to family and friends who have not seen the show yet has
been - <a href="http://www.fredsternfeld.com/hbti_productions_2013.htm" title="HBTI The King and I" target="_blank"><em><strong>The King and I</strong></em></a>
is so good, and so professionally done, that I would put it up against
any other show... or venue. Seriously, everything about it was
enjoyable.</p>John Guinan<br></div>member<br></div>