Getting to Know ‘King and I’ All Over Again in South Bay

Sometimes, a particular story, however popular or enduring, can simply be done to death. A case in point is arguably the tale of Anna Leonowens, the British widow who became a governess in the court of the King of Siam in the 1860s. In recent months, two films--one animated and one live-action (a euphemistic term, considering the lackluster performance of star Jodie Foster)--revisited this familiar territory, divesting Leonowens’ autobiographically based adventures of much of their mythic charm.

But if you thought you never wanted to see feisty Anna or the colorful King again in this lifetime, you might want to reconsider. The Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities is presently offering a bang-up production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I” that largely erases the memory of the klunky recent film versions and gives a welcome refresher course in a classic American musical.

Despite the subplot concerning the forbidden love between Tuptim (Yumi Iwama, a tiny actress with a huge belt voice) and Lun Tha (able Ivan Hernandez), the musical rises and falls on the abilities of its two leads. Sarah Tattersall is a charming Anna, mellow-voiced and self-possessed. As the King, Ronald M. Banks has enough mega-kilowatt talent to make Yul Brynner’s long shadow recede considerably--although we wish this King’s tepid attraction for Anna heated up to a more Brynner-esque sizzle.

Liz Stillwell’s lighting and John Feinstein’s sound beautifully augment the lavish rental sets and costumes. Musical director and conductor Steven Smith gets a rich and full sound out of both his actors and his orchestra. Director and choreographer Sha Newman, who helmed South Bay’s “West Side Story”--last season’s Ovation Award winner for best musical--once again spurs an overworked warhorse to a breathless canter, and gives us an enjoyable ride along the way.

* “The King and I,” Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Tuesdays-Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 and 7 p.m. Ends March 26. $30-$45. (310) 372-4477. Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes.