The Orchestra Pit

March 2000 — Your orchestra pit reporter: Deb Walz

Here's a "pit view" of The King & I:

Once again we had a single marathon rehearsal before production week. Some of my impressions:

* Barbara Lawler, dressed in a windsuit and sneakers. I had the impression that she'd grabbed a ponytail holder and hurriedly stuffed her hair in as she ran out the door. And the effect? Strikingly beautiful. Lovely voice. Warm stage presence.

* Chris Snell -- What a voice! I wanted to close my eyes and listen to him the way I used to study for Music 100 in college -- in a beanbag chair in a candlelit room with glass of wine in hand. (And yes, I passed :-)

Rehearsals at the auditorium: What was that wig on Bob Frasca as Captain Orton?? Looked like a cross between Sam Clemens and Albert Einstein. Not sure which it resembled more... Thank goodness his costume eventually included a hat!

Favorite moments during the performances:

* the interplay between Miss Anna and the King

* in the schoolroom discretely demonstrating how snow falls so the king can appear to know everything.

* the planning session after Anna promises to keep her head lower than his

* Kerry Schneider as Lady Thiang singing "Something Wonderful". In my side of the pit, we just looked at each other with wide eyes and jaws dropped, our expressions saying "Wow"...

* Krystal Muccioli as Princess Ying Yaowlak with her absolutely consistent performance -- precise diction, clear delivery -- I wonder if she could do "Annie"????

As I continue my participation in the group, I've become more aware of its nurturing quality. I suspect that anyone - regardless of talent - could find a place if they came in with the right attitude. It might not be on stage, but there are such a variety of skills that are needed to create a production that someone who's willing to learn and work would be warmly welcomed for their contribution.

Another amazing aspect of this group is that I've yet to see a lead repeat. My prior experience with community theater left me with the impression that the same people are cast as the leads for years on end -- or at least until I moved out of town. It's refreshing to see new (to me) talent at every production.

From the grapevine, I heard that Kevin Koo was superb, but here is where the view from the pit is a skewed one. Everytime he was demonstrating his talent for dance, I was focused on playing the music. But even if I miss some of the magical moments, I wouldn't give up my seat for one in the audience.

See you at Pirates!!