Shall we dance.... !(Chatelet, 29-6-14).

(video from the theater site)
It was tempting... a real grand production with what is the Broadway touch,  I imagine!
The choreography was a mixed Asian composition which reminded me of  the  costumes and dances during the operas at the Yfu theater in Shanghai. Last Sunday afternoon the Chatelet was packed with younger audience, a more vivid  one ready to enjoy this tale based on real past experience. I saw Yul Brynner film in my youth ( Christmas 1956) and was pleased to share the real thing with my granddaughters .  This time the King was L. Wilson with snow white hair learning to waltz with Susan Graham, wonderful romantic couple, perhaps less exotic than Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner, but with a huge operatic voice for Susan Graham. Noy only, the young Tuptim was also a true operatic nightingale I have already raved about during my season at Marseille CNIPAL.
I made it a treat for myself to witness  her debut in this role because I enjoyed her singing so much in Mozart and Korean melodies I discovered  in Avignon. I was certain  Je Ni Kim would be a moving young Tuptim, first a royal present  for the King, then a dedicated learner following Anna's teaching with all the children, to be very moving as a secret lover when  arrested and ill treated by the King's guards.

She was also presenting the puppet show of Uncle's Tom Cabin, putting all her heart in this role, she was the real young slave who as she sang wonderfully in her first  song gives her life to the King but not her heart and soul. At the curtain call Jenny got thundering applause and the whole cast and dancers received a long ovation from a very enthusiastic audience, clapping in tune  'Shall we dance' played again by the orchestra... We had the priviledge to greet Je Ni Kim after the show and we were thrilled to tell her we loved her singing and performance. I hope to see her again soon and I know I will! My granddaughters will remember this moment we spent with this young talented  and promising soprano coloratura who welcomed us so nicely !

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 As it was the last show,  a shower of roses  suddenly fell on the stage and orchestra... sweet Je Ni is smiling... among the children !