The King and I History
Inspired by Margaret Landon’s novel Anna and the King of Siam, the original production written by Rogers and Hammerstein had opened to immediate success winning five tony awards including Best Actress in a musical won by actress Gertrude Lawrence and Best Featured Actor won by Yul Brynner. After the success on Broadway with a total of 1,246 performances, the musical had opened in the West End at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in October 1953.
The King and I synopsis
The story set in Bangkok in the 1860s follows Anna as she arrives in Siam in to work for the King of Siam as a British school teacher. As Anna attempts to assist in teaching the King her values she struggles with the stubborn and strongminded King. However, despite this both the King and Anna learn through mutual agreement to understand, respect, and learn from each other.
The King and I Cast and Creatives
Starring Helen George (Call the Midwife) as Anna alongside Darren Lee (Chicago, Miss Saigon) as the King of Siam. The King and I is directed by Tony Award winner Bart Sher, who has previously directed Broadway shows South Pacific & My Fair Lady. With book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, The King and I contains music by Richard Rodgers, sets by Michael Yeargan, costumes by Catherine Zuber, orchestrations by Robert Rusell Bennett, musical supervision by Stephen Ridley, and casting direction by James Orange CDG.
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