After pulling off a successful dinner for the visiting English, Anna and the King share a celebratory moment. As she describes a woman’s perspective at a dance, he observes carefully, and they gingerly attempt to dance together. Soon, they cast off all inhibition and sweep the dance floor in a gloriously unbridled polka.

Anna and the King clash over their differing perspectives on gender.

Tuptim presents a balletic retelling of Uncle Tom’s Cabin to the King and his guests. Originally choreographed by Jerome Robbins in a unique combination of ballet and Asian-inspired movement, the dance tells the story of Eliza, a slave who receives divine help to escape a tyrannical King. Robbins’ work remains in productions of the show, to the music arranged by … Read More

Lun Tha and Tuptim, planning to leave Siam that night, look forward to their future together.

Preparing for the arrival of British dignitaries, the palace women wear uncomfortable European clothing and comment on the absurdity of Western customs.

In an appeal to Anna, Lady Thiang explains the complexity of her relationship with the King.

Frustrated after a quarrel with the King, Anna vents to an absent adversary.

The Prince and Louis share the observation that adults sometimes speak with certainty about things of which they are uncertain.

Lun Tha and Tuptim, reunited in secret, dream of a world where they can be together in the sunlight.

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