No puzzlement here—it’s something wonderful

For 16 years, the Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra has focused on staging one big Asian-themed show each winter. This year’s project—produced in collaboration with two other groups—is an elaborate staging of The King and I, the old Rodgers and Hammerstein chestnut, set in 1860s Siam. Equity actor Jared Lee (from Elk Grove) teams with three professionally trained female voices, plus community actors young and old, and a well-chosen orchestra. The production values are at a high standard and the show’s quite charming, including a marvelous (and timely) snow scene. The take on traditional Asian vs. colonial British values is more pointed than usual, albeit in the cushioned context of a musical, which makes this a delightful departure from more traditional productions.

The King and I, 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; $15-$30. Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra at the Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad Street in Nevada City; http://catsweb.org for information; www.brownpapertickets.com for tickets. Reservations suggested. Through April 16.