The King and I celebrates its first year at Lincoln Center
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I has been alive in the hearts of theatre goers for the past 65 years. After its original Broadway debut in 1951, the musical has seen several revivals, and has most recently found a home at the Lincoln Center Theatre on April 16, 2015, under the direction of Bartlett Sher. The show’s first year brought with it four Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, and the talented pair of Kelli O’Hara (Anna Leonowens) and Ken Watanabe (The King of Siam).
O’Hara, who has a Tony Award of her own, which she won for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical in The King and I, and Watanabe, who was nominated for male version of that category, bade farewell on April 17. Their roles have been welcomed by Marin Mazzie, who will begin performances as Anna on May 3, and Jose Llana, who will play The King from April 19 through May 1, before Daniel Dae Kim assumes the role on May 3.
There is not a bad seat at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. A moving stage, resplendent with bright, ornate colors native to Asia, of reds, golds, teals and purples, showcased the opulence and wealth that Siam (today, Thailand) is known for, including elegant costumes and of course, the big dresses, worn by Anna in every scene.
O’Hara herself is exquisite. Her beautiful soprano, operatic voice enlightens the room, and she puts on a very convincing British accent. Watanabe has a commanding presence as the King of Siam. He is quite passionate and his character is comedic, repeating the famous line, etcetera, etcetera, throughout the show.
As for the children and young actors, it is rare to see so many with such talent on stage at one time. Ashley Park, who plays the slave girl Tuptim, is very talented herself, as her voice elicited tears from the audience.
Click here for an exclusive interview with Ashley Park.
The story begins when the King needs help instructing his children to speak English. He hires a widowed British educator to be a governess to his children. Anna was promised a house, but instead, the King forces her to stay in the palace. It is not until later that he keeps his word, but the audience already sees that Anna’s mission in life is to strive for equality among men and women.
Even if you have never seen The King and I on Broadway or on screen, you will find yourself recognizing the songs that made it so lovably famous, including “Getting to Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello, Young Lovers,” and “Shall We Dance?” All of the songs have beautifully poetic and moving lyrics, made even more so by the strong, independent woman singing them.
The second act of the show finds the King and his family nervous, as they must impress the British upon their arrival, to prove that he is not a Barbarian. He enlists Anna’s help to teach him how to dance, help his wives dress in English garments and put on a theatrical performance for entertainment. At the end of the evening, the King tells Anna that their plan was a success, and says it was “what we intended to prove,” which was a major turning point in their relationship as he finally sees her as an equal.
Although several months pass without contact between Anna and the King, she returns to his bedside when she hears the news that he is dying. As royal protocol, Anna’s head was always to be lower than the King’s, a custom she honors for the last time as she kneels by the late King, holding his hand and kissing it.
Be prepared for laughs, tears and love during this royal treat, which is every bit as perfect as every past production of The King and I.
For tickets and showtimes, call 212-257-0296 or visit www.lct.org.
