It sold out its season at the London Palladium, it’s been showered with five-star reviews and it’s been nominated for six Oliviers and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival – and now the critically acclaimed Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King And I is coming to Manchester. Pitched as the greatest musical from the golden age of musicals (who’s not watched the 1956 big-screen version starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr some rainy afternoon?), The King And I is a classic tale of east meets west, unravelling the story of prim Welsh governess Anna as she attempts to tutor the wives and children of King Mongkut of Siam (now Thailand), and, it turns out, the King himself. Even if you’ve not seen the movie, you’ll recognise the songs, including Whistle A Happy Tune, Getting To Know You and Shall We Dance – and indeed dancing features heavily. This lavish version, at the Opera House as part of a world tour, features a full-scale orchestra and a company of over 50 world-class performers. The role of widowed mother Anna is reprised by Annalene Beechey from her West End appearance while the King is played by Jose Llana, here from Broadway. This adaptation is directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlet Sher of Broadway’s South Pacific and My Fair Lady fame, and draws on the talents of a multi-award-winning creative team. Hailed as ‘the theatrical event of 2018’, this your chance to experience the best in romantic musical theatre. Bring your hankie.
Fri 26 Apr – Sat 11 May, Opera House, 3 Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3HP, Tel: 0844 871 3018, Mon–Sat 7.30pm, Wed, Thu & Sat 2.30pm, £16–79, www.atgtickets.com
- Words:
- Sarah-Clare Conlon
- Published on:
- Wed 1 May 2019
