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Hawaii actress Ruthie Ann Miles will be U.K.-bound this summer to reprise her 2015 Tony-winning role of Lady Thiang in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I” at the Palladium Theatre in London’s West End.
She joins Broadway cast members Ken Watanabe (as the King of Siam) and Kelli O’Hara (as teacher Anna Leonowens) in their London debut, from the original Lincoln Center musical directed by Bartlett Sher. O’Hara and Sher also won Tony Awards.
Miles’ delivery of “Something Wonderful,” from the rich score of R&H signatures, was one of the show’s highlights. She is a Kaimuki High School grad, married to Jonathan Blumenstein, and they have a daughter, Abigail. An Instagram post says the actress/singer is expecting her second child.
Like Loretta Ables Sayre, who portrayed Bloody Mary and earned a Tony nomination in the reboot of R&H’s “South Pacific” that also played London, Miles will bring island aloha to Brit audiences.
Further, local boy Greg Zane will elevate his resume when he choreographs “King,” which begins rehearsals in early May prior to the June 13 preview leading to a July 3 premiere. “It is a limited 14-week run at the Palladium, where I danced in the last West End revival (of “King”) with Jason Scott Lee (yes, another Hawaii actor) and Elaine Paige,” Zane said via email. He was the associate choreographer on Broadway, since 2014 rehearsals, so the continuity is natural. But he had to bow out of his guest stint to mount Diamond Head Theatre’s dance-centric “Newsies” here in July-August. “When the ‘King’ calls, you answer,” said Zane. …
ON THE RADAR
There will be a Hawaii presence at the upcoming Academy Awards telecast on March 4 via ABC, when Keala Settle (who has Laie origins), delivers “This Is Me,” an Oscar nominee for best song. It’s a tune she delivers with zest and conviction in “The Greatest Showman” as the maligned bearded lady. The tune resonates with a strong message for minorities who don’t fit the conventional modes of society. …
And, yes, former Honolulan Bruno Mars, who’s expected to acquire a couple of awards, will appear with Cardi B on the Grammy Awards (singing their viral duet, “Finesse”), airing live at 2:30 p.m. today and delayed at 7 p.m. on CBS. …
AN EARLY VALENTINE’S …
Valentine’s arrived early this year, with a pair of Jim Brickman concerts Jan. 19 and 20 at the Hawaii Theatre. As he promised, romance prevailed, with the composer-pianist and emerging singer tossing in a clutch of vocals, including his signature “My Valentine,” and mixing serenades with informal chitchats.
He proved he’s the unchallenged romantic poet of the piano, one with inventive ways to customize his brand. On an endearing medley linking back to his stint with Jim Henson and “Sesame Street,” Brickman offered “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” “Sing,” “Over the Rainbow” (instrumentally) and “Rainbow Connection” (impersonating Kermit). Oh, he also playfully sang “Letter B” to the tune of The Beatles’ “Let It Be,” flashbacking to an alpha youth moment. …
… AND MORE LOVE NOTES
If you’re yearning for more romantic outings, consider Martin Nievera’s Feb. 14-16 gig (shows at 6:30 and 9 p.m.) at Blue Note Hawaii at the Outrigger Waikiki. The homegrown Philippines superstar’s sellout debut at the club last year (attracting devoted Filipino fans) prompted the hana hou. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
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