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KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Jordan Catalano 2011-02-16 22:18:34

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Jordan Catalano 2011-02-16 22:18:53

Barbra might look Asian at this point, but you're a lacist for suggesting that!

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by nasty_khakis 2011-02-16 22:24:05

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HAHA. I was more referring to her egocentric "I can play anything!" attitude.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by CATSNYrevival 2011-02-16 22:27:33

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I hope they put back "Western People Funny." I love that song!

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by PalJoey 2011-02-16 23:05:46

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I'm love, love, loving the idea of Victoria Clark as Mrs. Anna.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhXW00vxoME

This is Vicki doing "The Man I Love" but if you use your theatergoer's imagination, you can imagine her doing "Hello, Young Lovers"

And, yes, that's Central Park behind here, during one of the recent snowstorms.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by CurtainPullDowner 2011-02-16 23:07:30

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Loretta Able Sayers as Lady Tiang?

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by CockeyedOptimist2 2011-02-16 23:11:26

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Best news I've heard all day! Would be great to see either Kelli O'Hara or Kate Baldwin as Anna. Please let this happen!

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by BroadwayBound115 2011-02-16 23:15:39

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I want Laura Benanti to play Anna.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by PalJoey 2011-02-16 23:41:54

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Holy ****in' crap. If Vicki Clark brings this kind of depth to Mrs. Anna, it will be extraordinary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLMfwnJbfAk

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by givesmevoice 2011-02-16 23:51:33

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PJ, you are my favorite person ever right now. Her version of that is just divine.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by ljay889 2011-02-16 23:53:37

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Great news! I have been dreaming of a Sher directed revival of this show since South Pacific.

I think they will inevitably go with O'Hara. Clark was also up for Nellie, and they went with O'Hara. I think it will happen again here.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by bjh2114 2011-02-16 23:54:20

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As soon as I saw the thread title, Kate Baldwin was the first person who came to mind. She would be absolutely perfect in the role. Kelli would be great too, but I'd prefer to see Kate in this one.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by givesmevoice 2011-02-17 00:02:01

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Even though it's a pretty plushy gig to be turning down, if this did happen in the fall, I'd wonder how ready Baldwin would be to go back to work.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by AC126748 2011-02-17 00:23:53

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Christiane Noll as Mrs. Anna, please. And screw political correctness: I want Marc Kudisch as the King.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by gypsy4 2011-02-17 00:35:25

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I only Dreamed of this Happening and now it's coming to life. just picture the opening scene on the Vivian Beaumont and the amazing Overture played by the full orchestration.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by nasty_khakis 2011-02-17 00:39:23

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I worship O'Hara, and she would be fabulous, but would she really do it? ANOTHER revival, ANOTHER Lincoln Center, ANOTHER Bart Sherr?

I would be happy with any of my three earlier mentions (and who Bart has spoken publicly about loving to work with). I will be open to other people though. Like if they go color blind and go Audra.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by gypsy4 2011-02-17 00:44:40

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who's gonna play Lady Thiang?

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by CurtainPullDowner 2011-02-17 01:14:57

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Lea Salonga as Lady Tiang?

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by ray-andallthatjazz86 2011-02-17 01:27:03

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Benanti as Anna would be perfection! Anne Hathaway would also be quite good (though I know it's not the most inspired idea).

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Q_Angle 2011-02-17 02:34:02

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Lea Salonga as Lady Thiang?

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Reginald Tresilian 2011-02-17 11:49:01

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"screw political correctness."

Okay, how about Audra as Anna?

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by DottieD'Luscia 2011-02-17 11:54:15

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I loved the '96 revival and really can see any of the actresses mentioned so far as Anna. My personal favorites would be Vicky Clark and Christiane Noll.

Reginald, your idea is inspired casting!

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Brick 2011-02-17 13:31:39

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Well, O'Hara is definitely a lock for this one. It'll be her Tony role.

That said, I think this programming choice is a little dangerous since expectation will be very, very high after SOUTH PACIFIC.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by GlindatheGood22 2011-02-17 13:40:42

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Laura Benanti would be wonderful but she's a little young. Maybe Carolee Carmello could do it. What a voice.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Mattbrain 2011-02-17 14:50:14

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Dottie, it's funny you mention that because Christiane actually provided the singing voice of Anna for the animated version of The King and I.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by singtopher 2011-02-17 14:54:38

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LOVE the Audra idea. I love me some Carolee Carmello, but I just don't think her voice is a good match for the score.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by doodlenyc 2011-02-17 14:55:09

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Carmello is now attached to "Rebecca", which is a tony winning role as well.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by DottieD'Luscia 2011-02-17 15:24:58

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Didn't Carolee Carmello play Anna in Papermill's production?

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by madbrian 2011-02-17 15:38:00

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We can disagree on Anna, with my choices being Clark or Baldwin, but can we all agree that the only viable option for the King would be Alec Mapa?

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Reginald Tresilian 2011-02-17 15:44:23

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Alec used to do the funniest bit on an (imaginary) exchange between Anna and Lady Thiang, about Rita Moreno as Tuptim.

"'Lady Thiang, why are they laughing at her?'

"'Oh, Mrs. Anna, they are laughing because she is from Burma!

"And I used to think, 'No, they're laughing because she's from Puerto Rico.'"

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by PalJoey 2011-02-17 15:51:48

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But no one's head can be higher than the King's!

If Alec Mapa plays the King, everyone will have to walk around like Christopher Sieber in Shrek!

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Michael Bennett 2011-02-17 17:07:36

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Adore Audra. Would love to hear her sing the material. I don't think Mrs. Anna is a role that in a full production can be color blind cast. There is too strong a racial element to the story, and the fact that a huge part of the second act revovles around a ballet based on the slave issuses of the then current UNCLE TOM'S CABIN would make a black Mrs. Anna awkward to say the very least.

Anna has been played in major productions by women as young as their late twenties (Barbara Cook). I don't see any reason why Laura Benanti would be too young to do it.

I would as others have said put money on O'Hara who if not an especially outside of the box idea would probably be glorious.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by NYadgal 2011-02-17 17:36:32

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I can't visualize who I would love to see as the King...

Brian Stokes Mitchell? (But, there again, does this show lend itself to color blind casting?)

BD Wong, certainly...


I worship Kelli O'Hara. And Victoria Clark. Either one would have me spending far more than I should on tickets to this...

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by ljay889 2011-02-17 17:44:43

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There is too strong a racial element to the story, and the fact that a huge part of the second act revovles around a ballet based on the slave issuses of the then current UNCLE TOM'S CABIN would make a black Mrs. Anna awkward to say the very least.

That's an excellent and true point.

I would be happy with either Benanti or O'Hara. But I still say it will inevitably be O'Hara.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by CATSNYrevival 2011-02-17 17:54:43

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They should get someone young and sexy for the king. King and I has always been missing sex appeal.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Reginald Tresilian 2011-02-17 18:44:15

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It's funny that so many are saying you can't have a black Anna because of the racial element, and yet apparently having a white king isn't a problem.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by nasty_khakis 2011-02-17 18:59:23

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I think almost any of the women mentioned would be glorious. It'll ultimately come down to whoever's take on the role fits Sherr's overall concept/view of the piece.

Jose Llana for the King? Just throwing the name out there since he was in the last revival, but as Lun.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by CATSNYrevival 2011-02-17 19:22:13

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Yes to Jose Llana!

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Edna Turnblad 2011-02-17 19:44:34

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I can certainly see Kate or Kelli or many of the others mentioned as Anna. Though Victoria Clark would certainly be wonderful, I would prefer Kate Baldwin. If she did it, I would find a way to be there.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by bwayphreak234 2011-02-17 23:17:38

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I would love to see Victoria Clark or Laura Benanti play the part. I also think Andrea McArdle would be good.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by ahhrealmonsters 2011-02-17 23:36:34

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Yes yes yes yes. The '96ish revival was my first Broadway show.

And yes yes yes to Jose Llana as the King. He was in the last revival, and I've worked with him- he's a phenomenal actor, singer, performer, everything, and a sweetheart.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by ljay889 2011-02-18 02:10:56

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I had no idea the 1996 revival received a not so great review from the Times. How were the rest??

http://theater.nytimes.com/mem/theater/treview.html?id=1077011432556&html_title=&tols_title=&byline=&fid=NONE&scp=2&sq=the%20king%20and%20i%20lou%20diamond&st=cse

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by jewishboy 2011-02-18 04:48:54

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I agree that there are strong racial elements in this musical, but couldn't a black Anna make it more interesting and complex? My vote is for Audra, she would be brilliant.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by peachesr 2011-02-18 07:21:45

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This could be brilliant if done truly opulently. I would think they'd be unlikely to cast a black Anna purely because Anna Leonowens was a real woman despite the fact that the event within the show are fictionalised. O' Hara or Benanti do seem the most obvious, I would think the King would be the harder part to cast, it's always a difficult role to fill. Damn that Yul Brynner and his brilliance!

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by DottieD'Luscia 2011-02-18 07:40:07

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The 1977 revival of The King and I was my second Broadway show. Yul Brynner was a huge disappointment. He mumbled his lines throughout the entire performance I saw. I was bored out of my mind because I couldn't understand a word he said. Even my grandmother said she couldn't understand him.

I went into the '96 revival with some trepidation and was amazed at how much I actually enjoyed the show. So much so, I saw that revival 9 times. I really liked Lou Diamond Phillips' performance and how much he grew in the role during his run.

So nice there are a number of actresses who would seem to be wonderful as Anna, but agree that the King is going to be interesting to cast.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Reginald Tresilian 2011-02-18 07:59:14

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Peachser, you're right. But I'd like to point out the flip side of that coin: the king was a real (Asian) person, too--and he's usually been played by a caucasian actor, and no one blinks.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by DottieD'Luscia 2011-02-18 08:01:51

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Reginald, in the '77 revival, Martin Vidonic played Lun Tha and I don't think anyone blinked for that either.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Michael Bennett 2011-02-18 09:15:09

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My issue with Audra playing Mrs. Anna really doesn't have anything to with the real Mrs. Anna being a (white) historical figure - I would be pretty willing to buy into a black AMADEUS or asian EVITA, because race has nothing to do with the story of those characters in those plays.

But race is a big element of THE KING AND I. I think if you were to do some very deliberate color blind casting, in the grandest vision of the word, and cast the entire production inter-racially, regardless of whether the characters are Siamese, British, Burminese, etc., you could make a case for it.

But to cast the show traditionally,with the exception of Mrs. Anna, would I think be awkward because of the strong story plot involving slavery and the pointed discussion of the 'current' slave issue in the United States (remember KING AND I takes place pre-Civil War).

Reginald -- to address what you write about white actors playing the King and supporting asian characters in productions through the 70s, and audiences not batting an eye - we should remember that, although we don't find it politically correct now, those white actors were playing the King and others *as* asian characters. They wore makeup and wigs inspired to make them look like the asian characters as written and it was simply an accepted practice at the time.

That is not the same as color blind casting and of course audiences wouldn't buy it today and would be just as horrified to see Audra McDonald play Anna Leonowens in a blond wig with pale makeup.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Reginald Tresilian 2011-02-18 09:56:49

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Of course I'm aware of what acceptable performance practices were--and judging by some of the suggestions in this thread for the king, still are. I'm merely pointing out what underlies it: that for many people white is neutral (as is straight, incidentally).

BTW, have you ever seen footage of Grace Bumbry in white face as Tosca? Truly odd.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Michael Bennett 2011-02-18 10:52:13

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Yes, that is odd...Though on the flip side of that, the opera world, perhaps by necessity for the voices needed to carry the material, doesn't seem to place as much emphasis on casting actual minorities in minority roles. I think they try when possible, but even at the Met - in productions as recently as NIXON IN CHINA, most of the asian roles - principal and chorally have been taken by non-asian actors.

I think necessity is partly what dicated the use of white actors playing the King and supporting roles in early productions of THE KING AND I -- at the time, and even as recently as MISS SAIGON, producers claimed that finding suitable minority talent was extremely challanging. The historical casting of white actors in these roles probably shouldn't thus automatically be atributed to insensitivity by producers or ignorance by audiences.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by PalJoey 2011-02-18 10:56:45

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Maybe I'm just color blind, but I think Audra could play the part just fine without white face. She would have a British accent, because Mrs. Anna is from England, and that would do. I would get that she is from England and that when she thinks of Tom she thinks about a night when the earth smelled of summer and the sky was streaked with white and the soft mist of England
was sleeping on a hill...

The issue of slavery would come through perfectly. The issue is that the king owns slaves and Mrs. Anna is against slavery. What would be the problem?

Do you think the audience would think that Mrs. Anna is from Africa or a former slave? I don't.

I'd rather see Vicki Clark, but I wouldn't have a problem with Audra.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by ray-andallthatjazz86 2011-02-18 11:01:56

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But there is an ignorance in saying that they couldn't find "suitable minority talent." What that implies to me is that it's really hard to come across a talented minority actor but that there's a surplus of talented white actors, so much that we even need to cast them in minority roles because those "minority people" tend not to be as talented, which is ultimately an ill-informed train of thought.
The other thing they'll tell you is that casting a white actor is easier because there are not that many name Asian actors...which is true, but they aren't names because they keep losing actual Asian roles to white actors who are then just able to keep building their resumes.
/End of rant

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Michael Bennett 2011-02-18 11:12:23

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Joey - you are a romantic and for much of the first act, any glorious musical theatre actress would be divine as Anna.

The issue is that as the play continues - the fact that slavery is still being practiced in America and has only recently been abolished in England is discussed and becomes a major plot point. If you could convince an audience to not think about the race of the actress playing Anna, or find it irrelevent - even during the sequences in which Mrs. Anna is educating Tuptim on Abraham Lincoln, slavery and UNCLE TOM'S CABIN then I don't see it being a problem at all.

Like i said, I don't have a problem with Audra playing Mrs. Anna, if the production was directed in a way as to make race a non-issue.


Ray -- that is true if you were to find contemporary Broadway producers who were trying to make that arguement. Frankly, I don't think any would. But in the 50s-70s, minorities(and specifically asians) had few opportunities in the arts and thus most didn't pursue an active interest in careers as performers. And so it was, at that time, when the admittedly fairly rare occassion arose in which minority actors were needed, very difficult to actually find minority actors with the skills and training to take on the roles.

Call it a blight on the historical theatrical radar. But its actually been the continued popularity of shows like THE KING AND I and MISS SAIGON and SOUTH PACIFIC that really have encouraged minority actors to pursue careers in the arts, and embark on the proper training so that in major Broadway productions today those roles can actually be played by asian actors.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Reginald Tresilian 2011-02-18 12:03:37

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I know I'm flogging a dead horse (and I'm really not just arguing with you, Michael Bennett), but as regards the slavery issue, you say "If you could convince an audience to not think about the race of the actress playing Anna, or find it irrelevent," that it wouldn't be a problem.

Again, it seems people can do exactly that with regard to an Anglo actor playing the king. It's only the notion of a black actress as Anna that would present a problem.

Incidentally, I'm not saying I'm above all this. I'm really just exploring the issue. I don't know if I would suddenly be jerked out of the scene, thinking "But wait--she's black."

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Michael Bennett 2011-02-18 12:52:17

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No flogging at all - I respect the lively debate Reginald.

And I do think part of the suspension of belief an audience was willing to have regarding the King in the 50s and 60s is that in most cases the white actor was 'made up' to look asian and people bought the theatrical convention of that and at the time - weren't viewing it as insensitive or offensive. In hindsight, yes, that feels like a double standard --I can't imagine those same audiences would have gone for Lena Horne as Mrs. Anna wearing light makeup -- but if she had, the audience would have been asked to believe she was playing the role as a white woman and that is a slightly different issue.

Having an actor made up to play another ethnicity is not really color blind casting in the way we currently view the term.

I'm not sure I or you would be pulled out of the scene having a black actress playing Mrs. Anna (and to that end I assume we would be asking the audience to simply not look at the color or ethnicity of the actress playing the role at all), but I do feel the only instance in which color blind casting really needs to be questioned and debated before being deemed suitable is when the story includes major plot issues involving race, and THE KING AND I definitely includes those issues.

Interestingly, the other show that people seem to love debating the suitability of non traditional casting is THE SOUND OF MUSIC -- another R&H show that skirts somewhat indirectly ethnic injustice.

Again, I think you could make a case for a production featuring a black Maria or a black Mrs. Anna, but I think you have to accept that in doing so - you are asking the audience - directly or indirectly - to see the material (and themes that do circumvent historical racial issues) in a context that differs from the authors' original intention. And to me that (not the issue of the race of the actor) is ultimately the major thing to be weighed and evaluated.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by heyiam 2011-02-18 13:27:09

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As of May of last year, Kelli O'Hara was already attached but things can change.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Reginald Tresilian 2011-02-18 13:28:41

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I get everything you're saying, and I don't necessarily disagree. It's just that the more I think about it, the more I find a layer underneath.

Yes, audiences in the 50s and 60s accepted the convention that, say, Darren McGavin in makeup was an Asian. BUT I still think it was a one-way street: Put Diahann Carroll in white makeup as Mrs. Anna, and they'd simply have been flummoxed (if not outraged).

In other words, the convention that white people could play another race was accepted; I'm not convinced it worked in reverse.

And given a lot of comments made in other threads regarding race and casting, I'm not persuaded that that's gone away.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Michael Bennett 2011-02-18 13:43:52

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There is probably something to that - I mean audiences in the 50s and 60s (and even now) have largely been white and conservative. Did that play into their suspension of belief in seeing white actors play ethnic roles? Maybe. Does that influence today even those on the message boards here that can't wrap their heads around the idea of a black Desiree Armfeldt or Mama Rose? Probably.

But things are changing - just like everything else -- each new generation is going to have less of a trouble accepting more diversity in casting.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Mister Matt 2011-02-18 15:15:01

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I saw the 1996 revival on Broadway and on tour and I thought the production (especially the original cast) was perfection. It was truly the first time I looked at a revival as something truly bright and fresh as apposed to a paint-by-numbers rehash. I was stunned at how emotionally involved I became in the story. The March of the Siamese Children reduced me to tears.

I also saw the national tour of a different production a few years ago with Sandy Duncan and Martin Vidnovic. While the direction was poor (Sandy and Marty's performances were absolutely dreadful), the design was jaw-droppingly GORGEOUS. I wouldn't mind seeing those sets again, but with a competent director at the helm.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by AEA AGMA SM 2011-02-18 15:47:48

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I saw the national tour with Hayley Mills in Cleveland. Sadly I think the only thing I really remember was that she received a HUGE standing ovation when she came out for her curtain call wearing an Indians jersey and hat, as they were currently in the World Series at the time (and I think may have even played that night and won the game?)

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by DCS 2011-02-18 20:03:40

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For all you King & I fans and sticklers for historical accuracy, I highly recommend the book Bombay Anna by Susan Morgan...it's a real eye-opener as to who the real Anna Leonowens was....she wasnt born in England and she wasn't a well bred/educated woman as she claimed to be.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by canmark 2011-02-19 00:03:55

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> Call it a blight on the historical theatrical radar. But its actually been the continued popularity of shows like THE KING AND I and MISS SAIGON and SOUTH PACIFIC that really have encouraged minority actors to pursue careers in the arts, and embark on the proper training so that in major Broadway productions today those roles can actually be played by asian actors.

I'm wondering, though, didn't shows like Flower Drum Song and Pacific Overtures have predominately Asian casts? Were they Asian-Americans, or were they cast from abroad (like Lea Salonga... who, of course, has gone the other way and played a white character, Fantine, in Les Miz).

=========

I would love to see Audra as Anna, and wouldn't have any issue with her not being a white English woman.

Certainly, I had no issue with Juanita Hall (who is African American) playing Bloody Mary, a character who was Tonkinese. (Apparently she was in Flower Drum Song, too, playing Chinese.)

=========

On a somewhat related note, of the 4 boys playing Billy in the Toronto production of Billy Elliot, only one of them is white. One is of Cuban descent and two are Asian-American. Naturally, finding 12-14 year old boys who are triple threats is not an easy thing, but it's nice to see that they are not just casting boys who look like they could be the son of a white father and mother.

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/theatre/article/865523--meet-the-boys-who-will-be-billy-elliot

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Caron2 2011-02-21 20:05:57

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As another post said, Anna Leonowens was not "an English white woman": she was quarter Indian (from a grandmother), was born and grew up in India. She actually didn't go to England until after she left Thailand, in her late 30s, and then only for a short time. She immigrated to the US, then to Canada, where she spent most of the rest of her life fighting against injustices of all kinds, particularly in regard to women. Leonowens made up a background for various reasons elaborated on in Susan Morgan's biography Bombay Anna (mentioned by someone else here as well). She even changed her birthdate from 1831 to 1834. Note that there is a new corrected edition of Morgan's biog, published in 2010 by Silkworm Books. We always think of Anna as being fair, because of the Hollywood portrayal. Actually, she was dark with olive skin. It would be great to see King Mongkut finally played by a Thai. However, I don't know if that would be possible, as he was one of their most revered kings and many Thais believe The King and I insults him. They particularly hate the implication that there were romantic feelings between the two (there weren't). The King and I has always been banned in Thailand, though a previous, non-musical film, Anna and the King of Siam (1946), had a premiere in Bangkok.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by Mildred Plotka 2011-02-21 20:28:23

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I say bring in Judy Kuhn and let her have another, long overdue, Broadway triumph. Sher has worked with her before, and I think she'd be devastating as Mrs. Anna.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by inlovewithjerryherman 2011-02-21 20:32:35

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I'm not sure who I'd like to star in this, but I do know that all I want is for it to simply happen. Unlike WOTV, Bartlett Sher's directorial touch and knack for exploring subtext and naturalism in musical theatre is PERFECT for this show.

If this happened, wouldn't he be doing double duty with "Funny Girl"?

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by inlovewithjerryherman 2011-02-21 20:32:38

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I'm not sure who I'd like to star in this, but I do know that all I want is for it to simply happen. Unlike WOTV, Bartlett Sher's directorial touch and knack for exploring subtext and naturalism in musical theatre is PERFECT for this show.

If this happened, wouldn't he be doing double duty with "Funny Girl"?

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by gabrieljwickedone 2011-12-29 21:49:09

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Kristin Chenoweth or Kelli O'Hara as Anna.
Lou Diamond Phillips as The King
Palo Montalban as Lun Tha
Lea Salonga as Tuptim
Loretta Ables Sayre as Lady Thiang

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by ljay889 2011-12-29 22:11:49

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Lou Diamond Phillips as The King

Again?


Lea Salonga as Tuptim

Too old.

Loretta Ables Sayre as Lady Thiang

I can see it.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by SondheimFan5 2011-12-29 22:19:59

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I don't think Loretta could sing Lady Thiang. gabrieljwickedone, I think O'Hara is the only one who really works out of your suggestions.

How was Elaine Paige in London? Did anyone see it?

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by emilyfaye48 2011-12-29 22:24:38

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Kate Baldwin, absolutely!!!!!!!

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by henrikegerman 2011-12-29 22:25:16

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I can see many women playing Anna but I would love to see John Lone as the King.

And I agree that Anna should be played by a white woman and the king by an East Asian man. Race neutral casting is perfectly wonderful but not in a work about culture clashes.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by gabrieljwickedone 2011-12-29 23:02:02

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I do agree that Lea is too old. I couldn't think of anyone else though.

I think Lou could do it again since Yul did it for so many years and in so many different productions.

I really don't see what's wrong with Paolo or Loretta.

And Kristin could do it. Just think about her operatic voice. :)

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by ChenoKahn 2011-12-29 23:54:02

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Kristin intrigues me a lot. I think she would either be amazing or terrible. But I am rooting for Laura Benanti so much.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by CurtainPullDowner 2011-12-30 00:20:08

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Mrs. Anna is not a high Soprano role,
though it has been played very well by many.

The role needs a strong ground, a Motherly charm the children fall for, and the strength the King is confused and attracted to.

Baldwin and O'Hara are good choices.

KING AND I Revival a possibility
Posted by ray-andallthatjazz86 2011-12-30 00:36:24

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The more I think about this revival, the more I want Laura Benanti to come in and work her magic on it. I think she'd be so brilliant in a role like this.

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Posted by bwayphreak234 2011-12-30 00:37:18

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I would LOVE to see Benanti as Anna.

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Posted by somethingwicked 2011-12-30 00:44:27

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Kelli O'Hara's schedule is going to be mighty tricky the next few seasons. She has a year long contract with NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, and she's also very much attached to Jason Robert Brown and Marsha Norman's musicalization of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, which (last I heard) was looking toward going into production right when she becomes free to do so. She'd also been involved with FINDING NEVERLAND, should that ever get legs, as well as another impending revival that I know for a fact is looking to work around her scheduled availability.

While I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Sher had every intention of making this a vehicle for her, if it's going to happen this coming fall at the Beaumont as rumored, he's going to have to use someone else. I'm not even kidding when I say that this sounds like a much more appropriate opportunity for him to work with Lauren Ambrose in a musical.

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Posted by SondheimFan5 2011-12-30 01:15:00

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Anna needs to be a wonderful actress. She can range from age 30 to age 50, but the range of her songs is really only an octave - though she has great songs and it sounds best when a skilled singer is in the role.

I doubt this would occur within the next year or so -- I have a feeling War Horse will stay around at the Beaumont for another season at this rate (though they could surprise us and close up shop). I have a feeling the film will help sales because people will be intrigued to see it in a different light.

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Posted by f13overture 2011-12-30 01:15:59

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How about Harvey Fie- wait no! - Kristin Chenoweth as Tuptim.
O, Cheno how I love thee

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Posted by bwayphreak234 2011-12-30 01:17:30

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if it's going to happen this coming fall at the Beaumont as rumored

THIS fall? I was thinking War Horse would have the Beaumont for a while since it is doing so well...

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Posted by somethingwicked 2011-12-30 02:08:23

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bwayphreak234, the initial rumors were that this was a project intended for the fall of 2012 at the Beaumont.

While I can't speak for what Lincoln Center plans to do with WAR HORSE, I do know that the new cast that's going into the show next month is only contracted through the summer, and, with the tour and Toronto productions launching next year, I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted to go out on top and close the show in New York next August or September while its still riding high (no pun intended.)

That would also afford them a nice window of opportunity to capitalize on the exposure afforded by the release of the film adaptation this holiday season.

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Posted by bwayfan7000 2011-12-30 02:20:15

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If that situation comes to pass and this revival happened fall 2012, I would be happy beyond words. And, yes, please, Laura Benanti for Anna. That would be glorious. I'd love to see what Sher could do with this show in the Beaumont.

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Posted by ljay889 2011-12-30 02:27:43

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While I wouldn't be upset if the role goes to O'hara; I really think this is the role that could turn Benanti into a leading lady!

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Posted by henrikegerman 2011-12-30 15:44:21

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Kate Winslet and, as I've said before, John Lone.

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Posted by ChenoKahn 2011-12-30 16:11:36

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Just wondering but could War Horse transfer to a different theater.

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Posted by ray-andallthatjazz86 2011-12-30 16:37:38

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I wouldn't know what to do with myself if Kate Winslet played Anna, she'd act the role perfectly, I do wonder if she could sing the role 8 times a week though, Catherine Zeta-Jones has a background in musical theatre and she struggled some with the vocal demands of doing a musical on Broadway, I don't think Winslet has ever done musical theatre on a regular basis and Anna seems like it'd be vocally demanding for someone who isn't used to the routine.
I love the idea of Lauren Ambrose. I was gonna suggest her earlier but thought she might come off as too contemporary (thinking of SIX FEET UNDER, where she was consistently brilliant), then reading SomethingWicked's post I remember her fantastic turn in the EXIT THE KING revival and the great reviews she has gotten whenever she does Shakespeare, with some people on this board and other friends claiming her Juliet was among the best they have ever seen. She'd be great as Anna.

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Posted by gabrieljwickedone 2011-12-30 16:50:11

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I don't think Lauren Ambrose would be the best choice, the same thing might happen that just happened with the Funny Girl Revival. It sounds to me like no producer wants to take a gamble on her.

Laura Benanti would be good I think, but something just turns me off to the idea. Looking at the roles she has played in the past, it's just hard for me to see her doing this.

I think Kelli O'Hara is my top choice for this.

And someone mentioned Danny Burnstein earlier for the King. I took it as a joke....and then I thought about it. He might do good.

I still stand with my Lou choice. I saw him play it this summer at my local theatre and he did great....which reminds me, he played opposite Rachel Bay Jones and she was marvelous. She might be good too.

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Posted by henrikegerman 2011-12-30 16:56:14

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Ray-Anthony, Anna is not a difficult role to sing at all. Perhaps we think of the role that way because of Murphy and because of Marni Nixon's dubbing Deborah Kerr in the movie. Gertrude Lawrence was reportedly a remarkable star in musicals but she was not a great singer. And if you listen to her Anna on the original recording, it's not at all well sung. From the little I've heard of Winslet singing, she's leaps and bounds beyond Lawrence.

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Posted by jamiekennywicked 2011-12-30 16:59:16

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For some reason I see Megan Hilty in the Anna "get-up".

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Posted by random person 112 2011-12-30 17:47:44

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Hilty or benanti would both be great fun.

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Posted by elphaba.scares.me 2011-12-30 18:53:35

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Isn't Benanti becoming a regular on SVU? That would shoot Broadway in the foot for the time being.

I like an Anna with tremendous warmth and openness...Laura might just be too sophisticated. I'd rather see Susan Egan, who is very gifted and sophisticated but still has a childlike quality. Compare her to, say, Melissa Errico, who strikes me as chilly. I would love Carolee Carmello.

And something tells me the time is right for a very young cast. Think WSS...Josefina Gabrielle would be lovely. Karen Olivo would be fantastic singing "Something Wonderful." They'd never get her to do it, though.

Annaleigh Ashford could be an interesting Anna. Or Jennifer Damiano, with the proper direction....she's SO talented, although I've only seen her play contemporary characters.

You could also plug in a star...say, Jane Krakowski, if she wanted to demonstrate her range. All they'd have to do is say " the last Anna won a Tony" and actresses (and their agents) would come out of the woodwork.

Agree with those pointing out that it's not a tough sing. Keys can be changed.

Just as long as it's not Stephanie Block...that casting would give me the willies, though I'm not sure why.

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Posted by ray-andallthatjazz86 2011-12-30 19:00:37

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Henrik, I've no doubt Winslet could do wonders with the part both acting-wise and musically. I imagine she'd act the hell out of the numbers, her "Shall I Tell You What I Think of You" would probably be a tour de force (much like Murphy's). I was thinking more in terms of Winslet's vocal stamina, can she sing all those songs (does Anna sing what? Like 4 or 5 solos at least?) 8 times a week for 6 months? If she can, then someone call her right away! But that's where my doubts come from.
FUNNY GIRL was a commercial production of a show that depends--to a fault--on star power. And I personally think it's *very* unfortunate we'll never get to see what Ambrose would have brought to that role specifically. THE KING & I would be at LCT so name-casting isn't important, Ambrose has worked with them quite successfully in the past in AWAKE & SING and clearly Sher (who directed her in that production) wants to work with her again. I think, if given the chance--and Sher seems to be very much willing to take risks when it comes to her--she'd be a wonderful Anna.

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Posted by elphaba.scares.me 2011-12-30 19:01:15

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I forgot about Laura Osnes: slam-dunk.

Bart Sher likes casting creatively and putting his stamp on revivals. An Anna and King who were in their late twenties, just learning about each other's cultures (as well as their own in the global context) would be very moving.

You'd have to cast Tuptim very young, and Lady Thiang in her thirties...I feel like there are plenty of girls around who are weary of doing summer stock productions of Miss Saigon, and they could find a Tuptim the same way they found Lea Salonga.

Celia Keenan-Bolger would also be a fascinating Anna. She's got all the charm, warmth, and curiosity the role requires to really soar.

Bart Sher doesn't seem to direct standard revivals of anything...expect someone unexpected, if this ever happens.

Unless it's Kelli...who I guess is kind of Mitt Romney for me in this whole discussion. She's a perfect fit, and would be wonderful, but............

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Posted by ChenoKahn 2011-12-30 19:39:53

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Never mind post I was responding to get deleted.

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Posted by DottieD'Luscia 2011-12-30 21:11:54

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People keep mentioning Lauren Ambrose, but for some reason I can't warm to that idea. Her acting on Six Feet Under is so ingrained in my mind, that I can't see her as Anna. She just doesn't read "warm" to me for some reason.

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Posted by Jonwo 2011-12-30 21:29:29

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I don't think The King and I will happen until 2013 at the earliest given how well War Horse is doing, if they want it in 2012, The King and I could be done in another Broadway theatre.

Keli O'Hara would be an amazing Anna, Elaine Paige did it at the London Palladium and while she was good, she was simply too old for the role.

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Posted by gypsy4 2011-12-31 00:41:59

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what about Ashley Brown as Anna?

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Posted by bwayphreak234 2011-12-31 01:40:42

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I cannot even begin to imagine how gorgeous a set design by Michael Yeargan would be in the Beaumont for this production...

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Posted by henrikegerman 2011-12-31 09:39:06

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Ray-Anthony, I think Ambrose as Anna is a lovely idea as well. And count me among those who was solidly in her corner on Funny Girl.

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Posted by henrikegerman 2011-12-31 10:09:37

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Ray-Anthony, I think Ambrose as Anna is a lovely idea as well. And count me among those who was solidly in her corner on Funny Girl.

Pal Joey, I think race does matter in the casting of Mrs. Anna. The particular historical epoch, the clash of cultures and the leads' debates about their world, the threat of and interest of English influence on the court of Siam, the undercurrents of colonialism. It might be a fine thing for a black Anna to represent English liberalism and be anti-slavery. But it might come off as a very phony thing for Anna to represent an England that would appear to be sending a woman of African descent to teach the children of the King and be a proxy for her majesty's government at the court. As prematurely progressive as it would be had Anna been an African American woman sent there by Lincoln himself before Reconstruction.

It is not about race-neutral casting in general. These concerns are about race-neutral casting in a particular work in which race matters.

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Posted by jewishboy 2011-12-31 11:46:26

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I still think Audra is the most compelling choice. Followed by Kate Baldwin then Laura Benanti.

I've seen BD Wong do some amazing song interpretations before and it would make me very happy to see him on stage again, but I don't know if he has that commanding and powerful presence needed for the King. Similarly if you compare his performance in Pacific Overtures with Mako's original, I think Wong was lacking power.

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Posted by Dubliner 2011-12-31 13:06:32

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I saw Elaine Paige at the Palladium and thought her performance was a bit hammy - she played to the audience almost like panto - (Jason Scott Lee had left and the King was pleasant but week which may have made it very difficult for her). But my goodness her signing performance of the score was magnificent and rather unexpected given she's not a soprano.

I'd love to see Laura Michelle Kelly or Laura Osnes in this. I also think given that Audra McDonald has been so distinguished as both Julie and Carrie that she should be let be Mrs. Anna. Audiences will willingly be convinced that the character is a white englishwoman without her having to look white. If the Siamese court are all oriental there will still be the contrast needed for the plot to work. I think race will have to be made increasingly irrelevant in classic musical theatre such as Rodgers and Hammerstein to allow the best interpreters to tackle the roles much as has already happened in opera.

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Posted by somethingwicked 2011-12-31 13:16:28

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Other than Lauren Ambrose, Laura Michelle Kelly is far and away the best idea in this thread. She would be absolutely remarkable as Anna. Now that she's done two shows on Broadway, I'm hoping she works here in New York more and more.

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Posted by ray-andallthatjazz86 2011-12-31 13:51:55

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I like Audra McDonald, and I wouldn't mind seeing her in the role, but regardless of race she just isn't my top choice to play the role.
Yes, Laura Michelle Kelly would be wonderful but she sounds like too obvious of a choice after MARY POPPINS. Wouldn't she want to stretch those acting muscles a little more? And believe me I know the role of Mary Poppins is very different from the role of Anna, but I rather see her play a completely different role like say Reeno Sweeney in the current production of ANYTHING GOES.
I much prefer the out-of-box casting idea of Lauren Ambrose, but that's just because I think that type of casting often creates the most surprising and exciting turns (see Sutton Foster in ANYTHING GOES, for example).

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Posted by perfectlymarvelous 2011-12-31 15:12:22

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I'm still very attached to the idea of Kate Baldwin as Anna, I think she'd be lovely. I think Kelli O'Hara is the obvious choice given that it's Sher and Lincoln Center and I think she'd be good, but I'd rather someone like Baldwin or Laura Benanti play the role. Laura Michelle Kelly is also a great choice, she was a fantastic Mary Poppins and her voice is glorious, I'd love to hear her sing this score.

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Posted by Frank thebellhop 2012-01-01 12:09:27

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What about Vicky Clark? Maybe not a revolutionary idea but she would certainly perform the hell out of it. And Telly Leung for Lun Tha maybe?

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Posted by Musicaldudepeter 2012-01-01 12:14:43

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I think Victoria Clark, Kelli O'Hara or even Rachel Weisz would be great.

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Posted by gabrieljwickedone 2012-01-01 15:06:15

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Someone mentioned how great the set design would be.

Am I the only one who would like to see something besides bathing the stage in red and gold?

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Posted by ray-andallthatjazz86 2012-01-01 15:55:57

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It's a shame Victoria Clark wasn't big enough of a name to replace Donna Murphy in the '96 production (curiously enough, she understudied Murphy's eventual replacement, Faith Prince in GUYS & DOLLS and by all accounts was terrific as Miss Adelaide). I imagine she'd have been as fantastic as Murphy in a completely different way. By now, I believe she's too old to play the mother of a young child; but just like it was great seeing Reba tackle Nellie in the concert production of SOUTH PACIFIC, I'd love to see Clark tackle the role in a concert production of THE KING & I.

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Posted by random person 112 2012-01-01 16:41:45

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Rachel York maybe, the show is so famous it dosn't really need a name for anna.

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Posted by jayinchelsea 2012-01-01 17:00:53

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Stephanie Powers!

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Posted by henrikegerman 2012-01-01 22:33:56

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Wow, does Rachel Weisz sing? Assuming she does, it's an enchanting idea.

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Posted by Musicaldudepeter 2012-01-01 23:58:13

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I would imagine Weisz does sing. Yes, I can totally picture her can't you? Dark features, stellar acting. I don't feel Anna is a massive sing, so Weisz would act the **** out of it.

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Posted by henrikegerman 2012-01-02 08:56:06

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I can totally picture Rachel Weisz as a brilliant, convincingly maternal and very polished Anna. Warm, elegant, radiant, and terrifically engaging. And, yes, I see her as a dark haired lovely vision of an Anna as well.

Emma Thompson might be a very different but equally perfect choice. Musical theater experience, huge draw, and extremely interesting fit for the role.

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Posted by givesmevoice 2012-01-02 10:27:22

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I think I'd be more interested in seeing Emma Thompson play Anna in a non-musical adaptation.

I stand by Kate Baldwin as my dream Anna, although I'm sure Laura Benanti and some of the other ladies suggested would be great.

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Posted by givesmevoice 2012-01-02 10:27:36

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I think I'd be more interested in seeing Emma Thompson play Anna in a non-musical adaptation.

I stand by Kate Baldwin as my dream Anna, although I'm sure Laura Benanti and some of the other ladies suggested would be great.

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Posted by Musicaldudepeter 2012-01-02 11:31:05

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I think Laura Benanti is too modern for it I'm afraid. can't get to grips with picturing her at all in the role.

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Posted by broadwayguy2 2012-01-02 13:36:53

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Jessica Grove.

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Posted by Jon 2012-01-02 14:21:42

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How about Rebecca Luker?

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Posted by gabrieljwickedone 2012-01-03 01:39:32

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Nah...Rebecca Luker doesn't seem good for it. I think she's just to bland for my taste.

I still prefer Kelli O'Hara

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Posted by ljay889 2012-01-03 01:44:37

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I think Laura Benanti is too modern for it I'm afraid. can't get to grips with picturing her at all in the role.

Laura was supposedly an excellent Maria in the SOUND OF MUSIC revival. I doubt she'd have a problem playing another period role.

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Posted by bwayphreak234 2012-01-03 01:51:29

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^ Agreed. I think she would be beyond perfect for the role.

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Posted by jamiekennywicked 2012-04-14 19:39:39

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I watched the movie today and couldn't help but picture Michael Cerveris as The King. Is Emily Skinner too old for Anna? Then again, I noticed Victoria Clark was suggested.

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Posted by ChildrenwillListen 2012-04-14 20:37:27

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I would love to see a revival of King and I, but I know casting could easily affect that.

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Posted by Copperfield2 2012-04-14 21:24:58

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I hope Kelli O'Hara does not do this show. Could Maria Friedman do it?

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Posted by Matt2 2012-04-14 23:41:19

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Would they still allow a non-Asian actor to play the King? There was that huge fuss about Jonathan Pryce playing the Eurasian Engineer in Miss Saigon. He certainly has the talent to pull of the part vocally/acting wise.

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Posted by SondheimFan5 2012-04-15 00:38:21

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Cerveris would be excellent but would they be willing to cast a non-asian actor as the King? It would also be his 2nd "Ethnic" role (after Peron). But my he would be good...he and Kate Baldwin or Vicki Clark. With some great opera mezzo as Lady Thiang.

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Posted by LizzieCurry 2012-04-15 00:46:42

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NO STOP.

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Posted by Wilmingtom 2012-04-15 10:05:21

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I don't recall any objection to Lou Diamond Phillips playing the King and that was 5 years after the Miss Saigon uproar.

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Posted by ray-andallthatjazz86 2012-04-15 11:09:53

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Yea, white actors are *so* underrepresented on Broadway, they really need to make sure to not hire an Asian man to play the part of an Asian man, it makes complete and total sense *eye roll*

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Posted by LizzieCurry 2012-04-15 11:39:11

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I don't recall any objection to Lou Diamond Phillips playing the King and that was 5 years after the Miss Saigon uproar.

BECAUSE THAT WASN'T INAPPROPRIATE. He's Asian. He's better known for playing Latino and Native American characters, but he's ethnically also Chinese, Hawaiian and Filipino.

Yea, white actors are *so* underrepresented on Broadway, they really need to make sure to not hire an Asian man to play the part of an Asian man, it makes complete and total sense *eye roll*

I think you mean "pass the eye tape."