The King and I 1951 - Articles Page 9

Lincoln Center Theater presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I, led by Kelli O'Hara (as Anna Leonowens) and Ken Watanabe (as the King of Siam), directed by Bartlett Sher, and opening tonight, April 16, 2015 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street).

When the latest Rodgers and Hammerstein revival, THE KING AND I, opens in just over a week, starring Ken Watanabe and Kelli O'Hara, it will be the show's fifth Broadway production. Over the past six decades since the production originally opened on Broadway, basically only Yul Brynner has played the King of Siam, earning him the unofficial title of “The King of THE KING AND I.” However, many different women have donned the gorgeous gown to sing “Shall We Dance?” on the Great White Way since the original 1951 Broadway version. In honor of the upcoming revival, BroadwayWorld brings you a look back at the Top 5 women who have portrayed Anna in THE KING AND I on Broadway.

Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, March 29, 2015 - Sunday, March 29, 2015.

With the show's Broadway debut in 1951, followed by the 1956 Academy-Award-winning film adaption, Rodger's and Hammerstein's THE KING AND I has been captivating audiences for over 60 years. Yul Brenner, the most iconic and well-known of the actors who have played the King, not only starred in both stage and film incarnations of this classic musical, but he brought the show's national tour to the Music Hall at Fair Park in 1989, where the acclaimed musical is currently being revived by Dallas Summer Musicals. Though the current production's leader may lack Brenner's clout and charisma, this locally produced musical provides a high-quality, dazzling opportunity to celebrate and enjoy this timeless classic.

In recognition of its 100th Anniversary, New Haven's historic Shubert Theatre celebrated with a Gala Benefit on Saturday, March 21. This exclusive evening included an elegant sit-down dinner on the legendary Shubert Stage, dancing, theatrical entertainment and a tribute to honored guest stars. BroadwayWorld has photos from the event below!

Today in 1951, The King and I opened at the St. James Theatre, where it ran for 1246 performances. The King and I is the fifth musical by the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The work is based on the 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon and derives from the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, who became governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860s. The story deals with the experiences of the British schoolteacher, who is hired as part of the King's drive to modernize his country. The relationship between the King and Anna is marked by conflict through much of the play, as well as by a love that neither is able to express.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to speak with Broadway legend, Rachel York, just minutes before her final rehearsal for THE KING AND I at Music Hall at Fair Park. Having personally seen Ms. York perform onstage in several Broadway shows, as well as the filmed productions of KISS ME KATE and VICTOR/VICTORIA, it was a joy to hear her behind-the-scenes stories and personal experiences.

Good News Musical Theatre Fans! BroadwayWorld.com has confirmed Lincoln Center Theater's THE KING AND I, which features a cast led by Kelli O'Hara (as Anna Leonowens) and Ken Watanabe (as the King of Siam) will receive a cast recording this summer on the the Decca Broadway / Universal Music Classics label, produced by David Lai David Caddick and Bruce Pomahac. Of note, the the production features the musical's original 1951 orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett with dance and incidental music arranged by Trude Rittmann. Music director Ted Sperling conducts a 29-piece orchestra which will be heard on the album as well.

Lincoln Center Theater's THE KING AND I, which features a cast led by Kelli O'Hara (as Anna Leonowens) and Ken Watanabe (as the King of Siam), is directed by Bartlett Sher, begins previews tonight, March 12, and opens on Thursday, April 16 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street).

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world's most popular dance companies, will share its inspiring artistry with Tri-state audiences at the Aronoff Center's Procter & Gamble Hall for two nights only, tonight and tomorrow, March 3-4, 2015 at 7:30pm. The much-anticipated dance event is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association's 2014-15 Season.

Words on Dance in association with Symphony Space, is proud to present an evening with CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON, featuring the internationally acclaimed choreographer and director in rarely seen television and film clips and a live conversation conducted by the Academy, Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winning actress/singer/dancer RITA MORENO, April 27, 7:00 PM at Symphony Space, 95th Street and Broadway.

In recognition of its 100th Anniversary, the Shubert will celebrate with a Gala Benefit on Saturday, March 21 beginning at 6:00pm. This exclusive evening will include an elegant sit-down dinner on the legendary Shubert Stage, dancing, theatrical entertainment and a tribute to honored guest starts.

I LOVE LUCY: LIVE ON STAGE is a solid, engaging concept, and though there are some missteps along the way, for the most part, the production succeeds.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, beloved as one of the world's most popular dance companies, will share its inspiring artistry with Tri-state audiences at the Aronoff Center's Procter & Gamble Hall for two nights only, March 3-4, 2015 at 7:30pm. The much-anticipated dance event is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association's 2014-15 Season.

Today in 1985, the second Broadway revival of THe King and I opened at the Broadway THeatre, where it ran for 191 performances. The King and I is the fifth musical by the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The work is based on the 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon and derives from the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, who became governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860s. The story deals with the experiences of the British schoolteacher, who is hired as part of the King's drive to modernize his country. The relationship between the King and Anna is marked by conflict through much of the play, as well as by a love that neither is able to express. The musical premiered on March 29, 1951 at Broadway's St. James Theatre.

Broadway fans had plenty of reasons to celebrate this year, with dozens of shows having opened since January, hundreds of actors having made their debuts, and many more having returned to the stage for critically acclaimed performances. Not all news was good though, as we also suffered a loss of an incredible amount of talent. Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2014.

Lincoln Center Theater has announced that Ruthie Ann Miles (as Lady Thiang), Ashley Park (as Tuptim), Conrad Ricamora (as Lun Tha), Edward Baker-Duly (as Sir Edward Ramsey), Jon Viktor Corpuz (as Prince Chulalongkorn), Murphy Guyer (as Captain Orton), Jake Lucas (as Louis), Paul Nakauchi (as Kralahome), and Marc Oka (as Phra Alack) will be featured in its upcoming production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE KING AND I. The production, which will feature a cast led by Kelli O'Hara (as Anna Leonowens) and Ken Watanabe (as the King of Siam), will be directed by Bartlett Sher, and will begin previews Thursday, March 12 and open on Thursday, April 16 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street).

The King Center for the Performing Arts has announced a variety of music, dance and holiday entertainment coming up this season. Scroll down for details!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Major productions of 'The King And I' and 'Camelot,' two versions of 'Titanic,' season announcements from Light Opera Works and The Music Theatre Company, JRB in Skokie, three G&S shows in rep, the new musicals 'Frederick' and 'The Guide To Being Single,' and more!

LEFTFIELD PRODUCTIONS will present Henry Gross' ONE-HIT WANDERER. There will be one performance only tonight, October 28, 2014 at 2:00 pm at The Triad (158 West 72nd Street, NY, NY).

LEFTFIELD PRODUCTIONS will present Henry Gross' ONE-HIT WANDERER. There will be one performance only on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 2:00 pm at The Triad (158 West 72nd Street, NY, NY).

Asian American actor, dancer, singer, choreographer, director and author Baayork Lee has received the 2014 Paul Robeson Citation Award presented by the Actors' Equity Foundation.

Omniverse Vision just released of the original cast recording of Stuart Brayson and Tim Rice's epic new musical FROM HERE TO ETERNITY. The live double album is now available on iTunes and Amazon, serving as a prelude to the premiere US screenings of the film version in theaters around the country on Thursday, October 2; Sunday, October 5; and Tuesday, October 7. BroadwayWorld is counting down the days until the musical's big screen debut, and to celebrate the upcoming release, we'll continue to bring you daily song previews from the album. Today, check out Track 14- 'Aint Where I Wanna Be Blues.'

Omniverse Vision just released of the original cast recording of Stuart Brayson and Tim Rice's epic new musical FROM HERE TO ETERNITY. The live double album is now available on iTunes and Amazon, serving as a prelude to the premiere US screenings of the film version in theaters around the country on Thursday, October 2; Sunday, October 5; and Tuesday, October 7. BroadwayWorld is counting down the days until the musical's big screen debut, and to celebrate the upcoming release, we'll continue to bring you daily song previews from the album. Today, check out Track 13- 'I Love the Army.'

Bucks County Playhouse Producers Robyn Goodman and Alexander Fraser are thrilled to welcome the addition of Broadway's beloved Marin Mazzie to the cast of GETTING TO KNOW YOU: An Enchanted Evening of Oscar Hammerstein II, the Today night benefit concert of the inaugural Oscar Hammerstein Festival.