The King and I at Manchester Opera House
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
This April the multi award-winning and much celebrated Lincoln Centre Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I plays at the Manchester Opera House.
Often hailed as the greatest show from the golden age of musicals, The King and I has one of the most exceptional musical arrangements ever written. ‘Whistle a Happy Tune’, ‘Getting to Know You’, and ‘Shall We Dance’ are among some of the classic show tunes in this glorious production. With a company of more than 50 world-class artists and a full-scale orchestra, The King and I is considered the very best in romantic musical theatre.
Directed by the Tony Award winner Bart Sher ( South Pacific and My Fair Lady – Broadway), this production is embarking on a World Tour following a record-breaking sell-out run at The London Palladium. Fresh from Broadway, Jose Llana will play The King alongside Annalene Beechey, from the West End production, as Anna.
Created by composer Richard Rodgers and dramatist Oscar Hammerstein, the well-loved Tony Award-winner is based on Margaret Landon’s novel Anna and the King of Siam, published in 1944. Set to a sparkling and exotic backdrop, the revered musical tells the captivating story of Anna, an American teacher, who tries to help the King modernise his country. Finding it hard to resist the forces of ancient customs and tradition, the relationship between the headstrong King and Anna is marked by conflict. Eventually – due to kindness and persistence – Anna manages to connect with the King to build cultural understanding, acceptance and openness.
The musical received its Broadway premiere in 1951 at the St James Theatre and was adapted for film in 1956. Hailed a critical and commercial success, the film was nominated for nine Academy Awards and went on to be the worthy winner of five.
Do not miss this rare opportunity to witness this phenomenal musical in Manchester.
