The Most Happy Fella Stars in ‘The King And I’

Content at last with who he is, the legendary Richard Chamberlain plays the lead role in Hawaii Opera Theatre’s non-opera production

Susan Sunderland
Wednesday - July 19, 2006
By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
E-mail this story | Print this page | Archive | RSS | Del.icio.us

Richard Chamberlain: ‘This is one of the greatest musicals of all time’
Richard Chamberlain: ‘This is
one of the greatest musicals
of all time’

Now I am a man - World have change a lot: Some things nearly so, Others nearly not. - The King & I, Rodgers & Hammerstein

Fade in.

Exterior. Guest house. Makiki Heights. Mid-morning.

MidWeek writer, photographer and Hawaii Opera Theatre PR director arrive for interview. Richard Chamberlain, a handsome actor, leans out of the front door while getting dressed. He is shirtless, carrying his hairbrush and mirror.

CHAMBERLAIN: I’ll be right with you. Take the path to the pool terrace, there on the right.


LADIES (sighing): It’s good to see you.

Pan.

Poolside terrace in lush garden setting with panoramic view of Honolulu.

CHAMBERLAIN: Will this do? REPORTER: It’s good to see you.

CHAMBERLAIN: It’s good to be seen. Shall we talk about the show?

REPORTER (regaining composure): Yes, of course. That’s why we’re here.

REPORTER: July 21 is opening night of Hawaii Opera Theatre’s (HOT) The King and I. How are you preparing for your role as King Mongkut of Siam?

CHAMBERLAIN: I spent a lot of time learning the script and lyrics. I also read about the actual king, and that was useful. I sing Puzzlement, a very tricky song. I’m going to look as Asian as they can make me. I won’t look anything like Yul Brynner (who played the King in the 1956 film version). The costumes and sets are beautiful. This is one of the greatest musicals of all time.

REPORTER: How did you get the part?

CHAMBERLAIN: I was last on the list. They wanted an Asian actor and had several in mind. Actually, they hired Cary Tagawa, but he got a film project. I always wanted this role, but I didn’t tell Martin (Rabbett, the director) I was dying to do it. I love this part, and I love doing it.

I’ve done a lot of theatre. I saw the earliest film version with Rex Harrison and Irene Dunn. That was not a musical, but it was terrific. But unlike Harrison’s or Brynner’s portrayal, this king will be more like me. I emphasize the duality of the character. He is conflicted between ancient and modern values. The conflict overwhelms him.

REPORTER: What about the king’s interaction with Anna, the English teacher role to be played by Tony Award nominee Jan Maxwell?

CHAMBERLAIN: The king’s never encountered anyone with that forthright manner. But he’s very attracted to Anna. He has an intuition that she’s very important to the future of Siam.

Jan Maxwell is absolutely going to steal the show. She is a wonderful actress. She sings the kind of truth that Martin is looking for. I’ve worked with Jan in Sound of Music on Broadway. We trust each other and work well together.

REPORTER: How operatic is this production?

CHAMBERLAIN: It’s not an opera; it’s a musical. The music is absolutely gorgeous. Of all the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, this one feels the least dated, because of its themes of East-West culture clashes and a yin-yang power struggle that’s funny and heart-rending. This is more story-rich than most operas.

Best of all, audiences get to see a live Broadway show of professional caliber in the comfort of their community and with a hard-working local cast.

REPORTER: What about the local cast? CHAMBERLAIN: There are 64 people in the cast, one of the largest productions staged by HOT. Jordan Segundo (Lun Tha), Kristian Lei (Tuptim), the chorus and the dancers have been working very hard. Wait until you see them; they are incredible. Martin has never directed such a large cast before. I marvel at how he’s handling it.


REPORTER: Do you prefer films or theatre?

CHAMBERLAIN: I’ve done and enjoy both. Theatre is a blessing. Movie acting is extremely technical. Everything’s cut into pieces, and there’s endless waiting on the set. You have to keep your energy focused and stay ready at all times. In theatre, you get to rehearse for several weeks, go from beginning to end on stage, and you’re in constant rapport with the audience. It’s a wonderful feeling.

REPORTER: Got any tips for enjoying a night at the opera?

CHAMBERLAIN: Don’t eat too big a dinner beforehand, so you won’t be sleepy. Sit in your seat, look at the program, and when the lights dim and the curtain goes up (gets emotional and teary), be ready to enter a world of dreams. If we do our jobs right, it will be mesmerizing, entertaining and moving. And oh, dress up for the occasion. It’s nice to have that sense of event. My acting coach, Jeff Corey, used to say, “The theatre is a sacred place. Wear shoes.”

REPORTER: There are a lot of philosophical gems in this play, like your song Puzzlement.

CHAMBERLAIN (exuberantly): Oi vey!

Life is

Page 1 of 2 pages for this story  1 2 >

E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS


Most Recent Comment(s):

Posting a comment on MidWeek.com requires a free registration.

Username

Password

Auto Login

Forgot Password

Sign Up for MidWeek newsletter Times Supermarket
Foodland

 

 



Hawaii Luxury
Magazine


Tiare Asia and Alex Bing
were spotted at the Sugar Ray's Bar Lounge