#88: The King and I, family, and forgotten stars with Phil Crosby

Chasing Phantom

We are hurtling towards the holidays and so, for this episode, I make the case for "The King and I" to be considered among your holiday viewing options. Even though it's a 70+ year show, it's a smart and sophisticated musical with interesting cross-cultural dynamics. And so, of course, I turned to the smart and sophisticated Phil Crosby, most knowledgeable of all humans on the subject of older musicals, to help me explicate and praise this wonderful show.

Phil provides some vital context on Gertrude Lawrence, who originated the role of Anna and who is a Broadway diva largely forgotten or overlooked today. We also give only the briefest recap of the fascinating emergence of Yul Brynner as a star, a former circus performer who first arrived on Broadway at 21 having already lived a remarkable life spending time in Russia, China and Paris.

"The King and I" is the fifth Rogers and Hammerstein collaboration and full of amazing music, gorgeous sets and costumes, and compelling leading characters. Though Deborah Kerr isn't singing in the movie adaptation, she makes for a fine Anna. This isn't a show that gets staged that often any more, but we are lucky that the movie version is pretty remarkable. So go ahead and dial it up during some holiday downtime - you'll be glad you did!
You're definitely going to want to check out my website at ChasingPhantom.net if, for nothing else, YouTube clips of Gertrude Lawrence so you can get a sense of what a dynamic performer she is!