Sandy Duncan In “The King & I”

Coming To The Wang, October 12 - 17

The new national touring production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The King & I” will come to Boston for a one week date at The Wang Theatre, October 12 - 17. Starring Sandy Duncan (left), directed by Baayork Lee and co-produced by Wang Center Productions, Inc., the tour opened on the road in June of this year.

Originally starring Gertrude Lawrence and a then lesser-known Yul Brynner, “The King & I” is set in Bangkok in the 1860s. The story of love and clashing customs is based on the best-selling 1944 novel, “Anna and the King of Siam,” detailing the adventures of the English widow Anna Leonowens. Originally moving to Bangkok with her young son to teach, Anna eventually falls in love with the King, despite their stormy beginnings. The score includes some of Rodgers & Hammerstein best known work including “Getting To Know You,” “Whistle A Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers” and “Shall We Dance.”

One recent review stated: “Duncan has brought to life a vibrant, independent Anna that leaves you speechless . . . (she) does not just sing the songs, she actually acts the lyrics . . . Ms. Duncan also brings an electrifying truth to her dramatic, emotional scenes that is absolutely riveting to watch onstage . . . And she has a beautiful soprano voice (with a perfect vibrato and belt) to bring to life all of the gorgeous songs. She is extraordinary.”

Sandy Duncan, born and raised in Texas, coincidentally made her theatrical debut at the age of 12 in a Dallas production of “The King & I.” Her New York stage debut came in the New York City Center production of “Carousel,” followed by roles in “The Music Man,” “The Sound of Music,” “Finian’s Rainbow” and “Life With Father.”

She got her big break in the Broadway musical “Canterbury Tales,” for which she received her first Tony nomination. Her second Tony nomination came for her starring role in the revival of “The Boyfriend,” for which she received the New York Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award. Following the television series “Funny Face,” she returned to Broadway as “Peter Pan,” earning her third Tony nomination. She toured extensively in “Peter Pan,” including a stop at the Wang Theatre.

She later starred at Radio City Music Hall in “Five, Six Seven Eight Dance!” with her husband, dancer Don Correia. The Correia’s later assumed the leading roles in Tommy Tune’s Tony Award-winning musical, “My One and Only” on Broadway. She most recently appeared on Broadway as Roxie Hart, the merry murderess, in Kander and Ebb’s “Chicago.”

Director Baayork Lee’s artistic ventures have carried her to five continents. Musical theater aficionados will know her for creating the role of Connie in the original Broadway production of “A Chorus Line,” for which she also served as Assistant Choreographer to Michael Bennett. Her directing credits include the production of “Porgy & Bess” at the Tome Opera House in Italy, which then went on to tour for seven (!) years. She also directed Cy Coleman’s “Barnum” in Sydney, Australia, the European tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and several productions for the Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, including “Goya” starring Placido Domingo.

The original production of “The King & I” received five Tony Awards including Best Musical, while the 1956 film adaptation won five Academy Awards.

For tickets, stop by the Wang Theatre box office, 270 Tremont Street in Boston, call Telecharge at 800-447-7400 or visit telecharge.com.

-- OnStage Boston

9/12/04

 
 
 
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