Anna, adapted to her new role as teacher, bonds with her students, taking delight in the sharing of customs. This song was added during the original production’s out-of-town tryout. Several people, among them Joshua Logan and Mary Martin, felt Anna needed a moment to connect with the children. Pulling a discarded melody from South Pacific (“Suddenly Lucky”), Rodgers & Hammerstein … Read More
A Puzzlement
In this powerful soliloquy, the King grapples with what he knows and does not know. Faced with teaching a son whose inherited beliefs are challenged by European ideas, he struggles to find a way to guide his son confidently toward the truth.
The March of the Siamese Children
One by one, the Royal Children of Siam are presented to their new teacher, Anna Leonowens. Choreographer Jerome Robbins brilliantly staged this unique piece of music with majesty and simplicity.
Hello, Young Lovers
When Anna shares a photo of her late husband Tom with Lady Thiang and the royal wives, they find it hard to believe there is a world where one man and one woman can connect for all time. In response, Anna recalls her time with Tom, the love of her life. Uncharacteristically, Oscar Hammerstein II took a long time to … Read More
My Lord and Master
When Tuptim arrives as a gift to the King, she declares that she will always love another; her heart belongs to Lun Tha, the young scholar who has brought her from Burma.
I Whistle a Happy Tune
As their ship approaches Bangkok, Anna teaches her nervous son Louis a helpful way to curtail worrisome thoughts – which she herself secretly feels.
Overture
This sweeping overture, orchestrated (and probably sequenced) by Robert Russell Bennett, features themes from such numbers as “I Whistle A Happy Tune,” “I Have Dreamed,” “Something Wonderful” and others. Its majestic opening chords immediately establish the royal world of Siam.
2015 Broadway Revival
On April 19 and 20, 2015, the Lincoln Center Broadway Cast of The King and I entered the DiMenna Center for Classical Music to record their cast album under the musical direction of Ted Sperling. The 18-track album was released by Decca Broadway Records on June 9, 2015 and featured liner notes by The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization’s Ted Chapin.
2000 West End Revival
For the 2000 West End transfer of the 1996 Broadway production of The King and I, Elaine Paige and Jason Scott Lee led the cast under the musical direction of John Owen Edwards. This recording was recorded at Abbey Road Studios and released under Warner Music UK Ltd. in 2000 to coincide with the opening of the West End production.
1999 Animated Film
The soundtrack to the 1999 Animated Feature Film version of The King and I was released by Sony Music Distribution on March 16, 1999. Recorded in Toronto and London, the soundtrack featured many favorites from the show, including “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello, Young Lovers,” “Getting to Know You” and others, along with a special medley sung by Barbra … Read More