8 Reasons Why You Should Watch The King And I

The much awaited stage play of the year from Resorts World Manila has finally brought every spectators to the beautiful and august Kingdom of Siam. And together with hundreds of enthusiastic fans of this Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's stage musical, I finally witnessed how our Filipino casts gave life to this heartwarming and life-changing story last September 14 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

And with its lovely songs, tear-jerking scenes and splendid casts, I'm here to share to you my 8 reasons why I think you should watch this Philippine version of the world-renowned The King And I.

1. It is brought to us by Resorts World Manila.

From it's first world-class production "KAOS", and well-loved show, "The Sound of Music," bringing this yet another timeless piece, The King and I proves that Resorts World Manila is not just modern establishment with bars and restaurants, but also a haven for Filipino talents that showcases how world-class we are.

2. It is staged on Asia's one of the most state-of-the-art theater - the Newport Performing Arts.

With this theater's gigantic LED screen that has been touted as one of the biggest in a theater in Southeast Asia, be ready for a colorful and lively digital exhibition on this stage musical that will sweep you off of your seat and make so amazed by its rich graphics.

3. It is the freaking Kind and I, one of the most hailed stories, music and lyrics by Rodger and Hammerstein II and premiered at Broadways' St. James Theater!

I mean, do I really need to explain more? From All Kinds of People, Allegro,Carousel, Cinderella, Cinderella (enchanted Edition), Carmen Jones, Flower Drum Song, Flower Drum Song (hwang Version), G2k Cinderella, The King And I, A Grand Night For Singing, G2k Oklahoma!, Me And Juliet, Oklahoma!, Pipe Dream, Show Boat, Show Boat (hal Prince Version), Some Enchanted Evening - The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein, State Fair, The Sound Of Music and South Pacific, I guess you'll be recognize one, if not all, of these titles has captured your heart and my your soul crave for more. Hehe.

4. This is the comeback project of Miss Monique Wilson.

After spending some time being a teacher at London East 15 Drama School, one of our beloved country's pride is finally back to make us more proud by sharing her talents to us for this year's Resorts World Manila's presentation.

5. Cast with seasoned theater performers such as Leo Valdez as King and directed by three-time Aliw Awardee Best Director for Stage and Concert, Mr. Freddie Santos, who, if not the best stage director in the country, is one of the greatest in the industry.

Leo simply made the whole show really localized - so close to Pinoys' hearts. Because with his string accent that made the audience laugh at times and his natural funny antics that showed this "Leo" acting, The King and I RWM production became something so real and so us.

As for Director Freddie, there's no doubt that he deserves more of this kind of projects, the main is simply a genius!

6. You have to see this because it is only here that you'll get to see Gina Respall performs the character of Lady Thiang, the charter which she also played in UK production of The King and I.

If you haven't heard of the name Gina Respall, well that's okay. But if you haven't seen a performer named Gina Respall performing in front of hundreds of  discriminating audiences, well, you are missing something in you life!

Gina Respall is a London-based Pinay theater performer, who plays Lady Thiang on this RWM production's The King and I. Don't you dare outshining this woman, because the moment she opened her mouth to sing on the stage of Newport Performing Arts Theater, everyone was flabbergasted by hero oozing talent that is undeniably a world-class.

7. The kids are simply adorable! And truly world-class performers.

Okay, there are really, really a lot of kids on this production, more that what we saw on The Sound of Music. But albeit, each one of them deserves to be there because they were all talented and simply adorable! And one kid that really caught my attention, and proved that he is indeed a world-class performer was Anton Posadas, who is playing the role of of the future king of Siam, Chulalongkorn. The way he speaks, moves and sings, he was like on the same playing field with our seasoned performer. He is really, really, one good kid and a great performer.

8. The last but not the least, the stage design, the costumes, the props and the music were stunningly done and really brought us that majestic Kingdom of Siam feel! Including the cute elephant!

With Manila Philharmonic Orchestra's Maestro Rodel Colmenar, Jo Tecson of Light & Space Concepts and Mr. Rajo Laurel onboard this grandest spectacle at Newport Performing Arts Theater, what could possibly go wrong? 

And as expected, everything went so lavishly exhilarating and enthusiastically colorful!

So, what are you waiting for? Show happens every Friday at 8 p.m., on Saturdays at 2 pm. and 7 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m. only. Ticket Prices are Php1000.00 for Balcony, Php1600.00 for Deluxe Right, Left and Center, Php 2000.00 for Premiere Right, Left and Right and Php2400.00 for VIP seats.

The Tickets are available at Resorts World Manila Box Office and all TicketWorld outlets. For more information on The King and I schedules, you can visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (632) 836-6333.

Be a proud Filipino with Resorts World Manila's The King and I! Enjoy!