STAGE TUBE: On This Day 1/7- THE KING AND I
By: Nicole Rosky Jan. 07, 2012
Welcome to BWW's New Daily ON THIS DAY Series celebrating theatrical birthdays, openings and special events that took place on this day in theatre history!
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.
In celebration of this day, we bring you Deborah Kerr's performance of 'Getting to Know You' from the 1956 movie. Click below to check it out!
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