The King and I - 1951 - Broadway Articles Page 12

Kelli O'Hara talks THE KING AND I in a new interview!

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. The production opens tonight, April 16, 2015 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street). Let's see what the critics had to say...

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.

Singer and actress Julie Wilson, arguably one of the greatest cabaret chanteuses to grace a stage, died early this morning at the age of 90, according to her long time accompanist and friend Christopher Denny, who posted the news on his Facebook page. As of 8:45 this morning, the news of Wilson's death had not yet broken through major news outlets. Denny reported that Wilson 'died peacefully, surrounded by people who loved her, after having sustained two strokes over the last several days.' Up until the past couple of months of her life, the energetic Wilson was still being seen at various cabaret shows around town and supporting the new breed of stars, recently having the time of her life at a Mark Nadler show at the York Theatre.

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.

The Les Paul Foundation has announced the official “100th Birthday of Les Paul,” a year-long celebration to launch the famous inventor and musician's 100th birthday - June 9th, 2015. The celebration, which will last through May of 2016, will include exciting programs beginning with the star-studded June 9th event in New York's Times Square. Fans of Les Paul will have the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the most famous names in music at the official kick-off event. Music legends including Steve Miller, Joan Jett, Journey's Neal Schon, guitar virtuoso Johnny A, Chickenfoot's Joe Satriani, Count's 77 and others will appear at the event. Musical acts will continue to be announced on les-paul.com over the next several weeks.

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.

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre kicks off its 46th season with 'The Amira Baraka Project' - featuring a revival of his early acclaimed play Dutchman from 1964 and the world premiere of his final play, Most Dangerous Man In America (W. E. B. Du Bois), written fifty years later. Dutchman, directed by Woodie King Jr., will begin performances tonight, February 5th, with opening night set for February 20th at the Castillo Theater (543 West 42nd Street). This limited Off-Broadway engagement will continue through March 8th only. Most Dangerous Man In America (W. E. B. Du Bois) follows in May.

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.

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre kicks off its 46th season with 'The Amira Baraka Project' - featuring a revival of his early acclaimed play Dutchman from 1964 and the world premiere of his final play, Most Dangerous Man In America (W. E. B. Du Bois), written fifty years later. Dutchman, directed by Woodie King Jr., will begin performances February 5th, with opening night set for February 20th at the Castillo Theater (543 West 42nd Street). This limited Off-Broadway engagement will continue through March 8th only.

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!

Bucks County Playhouse opens up its stage to the star power talent with the National Tour of BALLROOM WITH A TWIST tonight, November 4th. Audiences are invited to experience the unique and live thrill of witnessing pros from Dancing with the Stars, American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance move together now all on one stage at the Playhouse.