David Bosley-Reynolds and Heather Marie Beck portray the King of Siam and Anna Leonowans in Toby's production of

By Dylan Roche

Since its original production in 1952, Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical, “The King and I,” has been embraced by generation after generation. Now, local audiences have the chance to catch a professional production of the musical in all its glory at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia. “The King and I” is directed by Shawn Kettering, music directed by Ross Scott Rawlings, and choreographed by Tina DeSimone.

Englishwoman Anna Leonowens (Heather Marie Beck) has come halfway around the world to Siam, where she has been hired by the King (David Bosely-Reynolds) to serve as school mistress to his many children, teaching them English language and the culture of the Western world. But Anna soon discovers that the one most resistant of all to her teachings will be the King himself. Despite their differences, the two come to develop a mutual respect — and deep feelings — for one another.

The musical may be well known, but Toby’s production brings the story to life in a marvelously fresh way. Rogers and Hammerstein’s songs enjoy jubilant life when performed by the cast, and the lines are given top-notch delivery. Set design by David A. Hopkins lends itself beautifully to Toby’s in-the-round stage; the royal Siamese palace is brought to marvelous life with splendid detail and artistry. Florence Arnold’s costumes are magnificent, transforming the actors into these characters from history.

As triumphant as it is tragic, as joyful as it is dramatic, “The King and I” is a tale with many different emotional dimensions, and the cast never falters on delivering. From Anna’s anxious arrival in the port of Bangkok to the ascending Prince’s progressive assertions, each moment of “The King and I” is spine-tinglingly excellent.

The story is also a love tale as well, examining the complex relationships between men and women. Anna and the King come to be more than friends — despite the fact that the King cannot fathom monogamy or romance. When Bosley-Reynolds and Beck finally come together in “Shall We Dance?” the chemistry between them is undeniable, and a joy to watch.

Meanwhile, Lady Thiang (played by Crystal Freeman), the King’s head concubine and mother of his heir, proclaims to love the king deeply. Her delivery of “Something Wonderful,” in which she tries to convince Anna of the King’s good character, reflects her heartfelt and painful conflict.

It is in the intrigues of Tuptim and Lun Tha that the audience enjoys the most traditional romance. Tuptim (Julia Lancione) is enslaved as one of the King’s many wives, but she loves the Burmese ambassador, Lun Tha (Jeffrey Shankle). The two carry their love affair in secret, with Anna’s assistance. Their songs together — “We Kiss In A Shadow” and “I Have Dreamed” - are passionate, and the chemistry between them is heartbreakingly believable.

The musical is full of fun moments too, particularly the scene in the schoolroom where Anna sings with the children, “Getting To Know You.” Anna’s relationship with the children is beautifully conveyed, the duty of education becoming a personal one — Anna cares about the King and his family.

But charming as it is, “The King And I” is more than fluff, and Toby’s production handles the weighty dramatic climax with commendable skill. When the King is torn between his respect for Anna and his pride as king, his spirit breaks. Bosley-Reynolds gives a powerful performance, ferocious as he is vulnerable.

Toby’s successfully brings a tried-and-true classic to the stage with fresh life and all the wonder for which an audience could hope. “The King and I” runs until March 25. Toby’s of Columbia will continue its season with “The Wizard of Oz.” Meanwhile, Toby’s Baltimore location presents “Smokey Joe’s Café,” followed by “Hairspray.” To find out all that Toby’s Dinner Theatre has to offer, visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.