The multi award-winning production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King And I comes to conquer the iconic London Palladium in Spring 2018, along with original Broadway cast members Kelli O’Hara and Ken Watanabe.
Having claimed four Tony Awards during its 16-month run at Lincoln Center Theater in 2015, including Best Musical Revival, and following a record-breaking USA tour, this critically acclaimed production of a musical classic makes an eagerly awaited West End transfer.
Set in 1860’s Bangkok, The King And I tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children in an effort to modernise the country. But this appointment leads to a bitter conflict – and, secretly, a burgeoning love – between the two, neither of whom are prepared to admit their feelings.
The King And I first premiered on Broadway in 1951, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Subsequent Broadway and West End productions have also claimed numerous awards, and the musical was also adapted into a 1956 Oscar-winning film.
Leading lady O’Hara won the Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her performance as Anna Leonowens in New York, and has also been nominated for Tony Awards for previous Broadway performances in The Light In The Piazza, South Pacific, The Bridges Of Madison County, Nice Work If You Can Get It and The Pajama Game. She is joined by Tony and Oscar nominee Watanabe, reprising his role as the titular King of Siam, and Ruthie Ann Miles, reprising her Tony Award-winning role as Lady Thiang.
Director Bartlett Sher also reunites the original The King And I creative team, including Catherine Zuber (Tony Award winner for Best Costume), set designer Michael Yeargan, lighting designer Donald Holder, sound designer Scott Lehrer and choreography by Christopher Gattelli, based on the original choreography by Jerome Robbins.
With a glittering score of treasured songs including Whistle A Happy Tune, Getting To Know You, and Shall We Dance, and featuring a company of over 50 world-class performers, The King And I is a testament to the lavish heritage of gloriously romantic musical theatre.
Experience the show that has delighted audiences for over 70 years. With its sweeping score and superb voices, The King And I will thrill old and young alike – perfect for everyone from 5 to 105!
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