Search - King & I :: King & I (Eco-Friendly Packaging)

Risë Stevens in majestic "King and I"

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 05/04/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is another new eco-sleeve repackaging job from Sony Broadway. It's the exact same disc and contents as the previous 2006 edition so there's no need to upgrade again if you already own the first disc.



The 1964 Lincoln Center revival of THE KING AND I remains one of the most fondly-remembered productions during Richard Rodgers' tenure as president of the company; he always made a point of personally casting the lead roles in his shows, and certainly scored a great success in luring Risë Stevens (who in the process of winding down her operatic career at that time) for the role of Mrs Anna.



Risë Stevens is a thrilling presence on disc, in particular her "Hello Young Lovers" and a highly eccentric "Shall I Tell You What I Think of You?". While he was later best known for his roles in Disney comedies and television shows, Darren McGavin is a very competant King, with a booming and resonant singing voice. The cast also features Patricia Neway (the original Mother Abbess in "The Sound of Music") as Lady Thiang, Lee Venora ("Kean") as Tuptim and Frank Porretta ("The Great Waltz" and the film version of "Song of Norway") as Lun Tha.



This cast album was the first one to include the "Small House of Uncle Thomas" Ballet, normally omitted due to length but a welcome addition. This reissue also has the previously-unreleased "Western People Funny" (recorded for inclusion on the original RCA LP but dropped because of the time-restrictions)."