The King and I

From ChatGPT

"The King and I" is a classic musical with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The show premiered on Broadway in 1951 and has since become one of the most beloved and enduring musicals in the canon. Based on Margaret Landon's novel "Anna and the King of Siam," which was itself inspired by the real-life experiences of Anna Leonowens, the musical tells the story of a British schoolteacher, Anna, who travels to Siam (now Thailand) in the 1860s to teach the King's many children. Anna's clash of cultures with the stubborn and traditional King leads to both conflict and understanding as they navigate the complexities of their relationship and the changing world around them. "The King and I" explores themes of cultural differences, the power of education, and the pursuit of love and understanding. The musical features iconic songs such as "Getting to Know You," "Shall We Dance?," and "I Whistle a Happy Tune," which have become beloved standards in the musical theater repertoire. With its lavish sets, intricate costumes, and memorable characters, "The King and I" offers a visually stunning and emotionally rich experience. The show has been revived numerous times on Broadway and has had successful productions around the world, including a film adaptation in 1956 starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. "The King and I" continues to captivate audiences with its timeless story, beautiful music, and themes of tolerance and the power of human connection. It remains a beloved and influential musical that has left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater.}

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Authors

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Book and Lyrics
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Music
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Source Material

Later Contributors

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Screenplay
Genre: Musical Play

Production Highlights

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There are 60 productions in Ovrtur's database.
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Score

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Original score

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Studio Cast Recordings

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From ChatGPT

"The King and I" is a classic musical with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The show premiered on Broadway in 1951 and has since become one of the most beloved and enduring musicals in the canon. Based on Margaret Landon's novel "Anna and the King of Siam," which was itself inspired by the real-life experiences of Anna Leonowens, the musical tells the story of a British schoolteacher, Anna, who travels to Siam (now Thailand) in the 1860s to teach the King's many children. Anna's clash of cultures with the stubborn and traditional King leads to both conflict and understanding as they navigate the complexities of their relationship and the changing world around them. "The King and I" explores themes of cultural differences, the power of education, and the pursuit of love and understanding. The musical features iconic songs such as "Getting to Know You," "Shall We Dance?," and "I Whistle a Happy Tune," which have become beloved standards in the musical theater repertoire. With its lavish sets, intricate costumes, and memorable characters, "The King and I" offers a visually stunning and emotionally rich experience. The show has been revived numerous times on Broadway and has had successful productions around the world, including a film adaptation in 1956 starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. "The King and I" continues to captivate audiences with its timeless story, beautiful music, and themes of tolerance and the power of human connection. It remains a beloved and influential musical that has left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater.}

More

Authors

Original Authors

...
Book and Lyrics
...
Music
...
Source Material

Later Contributors

This list represents writers who contributed to revisions, etc. following the original production.

...
Screenplay
Genre: Musical Play

Source

Based on the novel Anna and the King of Siam, by Margaret Landon, with uncredited borrowings from the fim version's screenplay by Sally Benson and Talbot Jennings.

Synopsis

It's the 1860's and the Western world is closing in on Thailand. Hoping to give his family the necessary knowledge to survive in this New World, the King of Thailand hires for his children a British governess, Anna. At first, Anna and the King struggle to find common ground between Thai and British attitudes. Soon though, the two opposites fall in love. Meanwhile, Tuptim and and Lun Tha have a hidden romance even though Tup Tim belongs to the King.

Trivia & History

In 1950, Gertrude Lawrence's attorney and business manager, Fanny Holtzmann, was worried that Lawrence's star was fading. When she received a copy of Margaret Landon's 1944 book Anna and the King of Siam, she thought that it would make a good vehicle. Lawrence purchased the rights to adapt the book as a play. Holtzmann approached Cole Porter to write the score but he wasn't interested. She was going to approach Lawrence's longtime friend Nöel Coward, but she met Dorothy Hammerstein (Oscar's wife) by chance. She pressed Dorothy to have her husband read the book if she sent it over. Holtzmann also talked to Dorothy Rodgers (Richard's wife).

Coincidentally both wives had read the book when it first came out and had suggested that their husbands musicalize it. However, the two writers weren't interested because the book is episodic and lacks a story. When they saw the 1946 film adaptation (which starred Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison), they were interested.

Other Titles

  • Anna and the King of Siam (source material)
  • The King & I (Alternate)
  • Der König und ich (German title)

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