“The King and I” charms the guests of the premiere | a look!

Music scene in front of a wonderful background

On Thursday, July 14, 2022, the classical music “The King and I” celebrated a fantastic premiere at the Lake Festival in Morbisch, Burgenland. Imaginative theater sets, graceful ensemble, beautiful Broadway tunes, and a true love story that deeply touches and above all charms guests with Asian flair. Lake Theater and Lake Neusiedl are the world’s largest musical theater productions of “The King and I” until August 15. The movie musical “The King and I”—originally “The King and I” with tunes by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, was a huge hit on American Broadway in the 1950s, as did the film adaptations with Yul Brynner and later with Jodie Foster (” Anna and the King”) became a blockbuster worldwide.

In 1862, King Mongkut was looking for an English teacher for a large group of his children and brought British widow Anna Leonowens and her son Louis to the royal court. At first they doubted each other, came what was to come. It is said that Anna not only fell in love with children, but soon friendship grew between the British teacher and the stern ruler. When Anna gives the King dance lessons, this is one of the most touching scenes in the play. But King Mongkut is still torn between the crown and his feelings for Anna. The largest and most impressive production of the influential piece to date was carried out by a first-rate leading team consisting of Simon Eichenberger (director), Walter Vogelweider (stage design), Michael Schnack (action), Alonso Barros (choreography), Charles Koijn and Aleš Valašek (costumes). ). Brilliantly executed.

The premiere of the piece at the Lake Festival in Morbisch was also a huge hit Thursday night. Director Simon Eichenberger developed an emotional and at the same time humorous production with Kok-Hwa Lie (The King) and Milica Jovanovic (Anna Leonowens) in the lead roles. Other leading roles have included Vincent Bueno (Prince Chulalongkorn), Finn Cosdorf and Samuel Wieglettner (Louis, Anna’s son), Léa Delos Santos (Lady Thiang), Maridis Lazo (Toptim), Robin Yojong Kim (Lon Tha), and Jobin Amiri (Kralahome). ), Dominic Hess (Sir Edward Ramsay/Captain Orton) and Lucas Bluchel (Fra Alak). The audience was especially pleased with the eleven actors who played the royal children.

Voices from the court

County Governor and County Councilor for Culture Hans-Peter Doskozel: “With this production, General Manager Alphonse Haider is providing entertainment at the highest level. I would like to congratulate him, congratulate him and congratulate the 200 people on this success! The Lake Festival proves once again its importance to Burgenland – a combination of great music and stage design as well as the unique atmosphere of the lake platform Make “The King and I” an experience. The piece says: “Now is always the best time!” – so I can only recommend: Come to Mörbisch now!”

LM Patrasuda Kitiyakara, great-granddaughter of the true Siamese King Mongkut, was also deeply moved after the performance: “It is my first time in Austria and I have come here especially tonight. It was an indescribable happiness for me to be able to shake hands with my great great-grandfather.”

General Manager Alphonse Haider: “In 1862, King Mongkut brought the widow of English officer Anna Leonowens to his royal court to teach his children English and Western lifestyle. 160 years later, this extraordinary true story continues to write his history in Mörbisch. In 2022, Seebohn is where you can Experience a touch of world history in a fantastical way. I am so proud of this production and my amazing team!”

Wonderful guests in the sold out classes

The first audience was clearly enthusiastic about the moving performance. Among others, Regional Governor and Regional Adviser for Culture Hans-Peter Doskozel with Julia Gorczak, EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn, Governor of the Province of Lower Austria Johanna Mikl-Leitner, former Chancellor Franz Franzi, Federal SPÖ leader Pamela Rende Wagner, and ambassadors from 17 countries, the legendary Mörbisch- Observer Harald Serafin and his wife Ingeborg, Artistic Director of the Opera at the St. Margareten Quarry Daniel Serafin, Regional Director of ORF Burgenland Werner Herics, Bishop Agidus Zivkovic, Superintendent Robert Gunishkett, former TV and Ski Star Armin Asinger, President of ÖFB and Publisher Gerhard Milic, Chairman of the Board LIFE + Gery Keszler Ö3 star Tom Walek Baritone Clemens Unterreiner Former ski racer and dance star Lizz Görgl OGB President Wolfgang Katzian ORF Weather Lady Krista Kommer TV Presenter Silvia Schneider Artist Director Marika Lechter Community Builder Richard Lugner Senior Restaurants Walter and Evelyn Islbock, Director Ernst Koplinger, RA Emmond Theater and Runacher Director Christian Strobeck as well as m Opera singers Sona Ghazarian, Sigrid Martic and many others.

prospects

Next year, General Manager Alphonse Haider will present the musical “Mamma Mia!” With the music of ABBA in Mörbisch. Greek flair, an enchanting love story, the sea and the hits every kid knows – a piece made for the floating stage. Ticket sales begin September 1, 2022. A concert with Schlager star Andrea Berg is also scheduled for August 2, 2023. “Der König und Ich” can still be admired until August 15, but there are also a few private concerts awaiting the audience. Andreas Gabalier on July 29, 2022, Roland Kaiser live with the band on July 20, 2022 and Especially Important Advice Best of Austria with Wolfgang Ambros, Gert Steinbäcker and Die Seer on August 2, 2022