The classic production, THE KING AND I, is back in Atlanta through Tuesday, September 11th at the Fox Theatre. Set in the 1860’s in the exotic capital city of Bangkok, THE KING AND I is the timeless love story between a powerful and stubborn king and a determined governess named Anna. It features memorable songs, which if you're a fan you may know by heart, including "Hello Young Lovers," “I Whistle A Happy Tune,” “Shall We Dance?” and my favorite, “Getting To Know You”.
Based on the real life adventures of the English widow Anna Leonowens, and the best-selling 1944 novel, Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon, THE KING AND I is a fascinating tale about a clash of customs and finding love in spite of our differences.
I was invited to attend the show Thursday evening and, as always at the Fox, had a wonderful experience. Recently I've been lucky enough to see a wide-range of shows, from Peter Pan, to Jersey Boys. Unlike most original Broadway musicals of today, THE KING AND I sticks to its classic roots. There are no big special effects, the sets are beautiful but they won't - and I mean literally - jump out at you. And the music is more operetta in style than what you see in most shows today - that's of course the case with many Rogers and Hammerstein shows (Cinderella and Carousel are others that come to mind that are similar in style).
That said, these are not negatives, but for anyone who is used to the new glitz and glamour of Broadway, you may be surprised! That said the costumes are simply gorgeous and the children made the the show for me (40 or so of them). If you love classic musicals, then get your tickets for this one at The Fox Theatre.
Is it for kids however? The show claims to be appropriate for all ages, but I don't really think it is. There's definitely a good bit of adult subject matter, plus I don't think younger kids would really enjoy it. My recommendation is 10+. But you know your own kids...
The team of Richard Rodgers (composer) and Oscar Hammerstein II (librettist/lyricist) was the most consistently fruitful and successful partnership in American musical theatre. In addition to THE KING AND I, their musicals include OKLAHOMA!, CAROUSEL, ALLEGRO, SOUTH PACIFIC, ME AND JULIET, PIPE DREAM, FLOWER DRUM SONG and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. The original 1951 production of THE KING AND I received five Tony Awards including Best Musical and the 1956 movie adaptation won five Academy Awards.
CLICK HERE to visit the Theater of the Stars website for more information on this and other upcoming shows.
TICKETS
Tickets range from $25 - $65 and are on sale now at www.FoxATLTix.com or by calling 855-ATL-TIXX (855-285-8499). Check www.goldstar.com/atlanta for half-priced tickets.
REMAINING PERFORMANCES:
Friday, September 7 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 8 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, September 9 at 1:30 p.m. and Tuesday, September 11 at 8 PM.
