Historic Everett Theatre screens ‘The King and I’
Published 12:01 am Friday, May 20, 2011
It’s another classic movie night at Historic Everett Theatre and this time it’s the epic musical “The King and I.”
Though released in 1956, the movie’s themes of trying to adapt to another person’s culture and keeping a free exchange of ideas are as timeless as the movie’s score.
The setting for “The King and I” is Siam — now known as Thailand — where Anna Leonowens arrives with her son to teach English and be a governess to the children of the king’s household.
The king is quite enamored of Western ways, but there are inherent conflicts between his world and the culture Anna brings to the palace.
While that struggle ensues, the king’s slave, Tuptim, is rebelling against her captivity. She tries to escape with her lover but they are caught. She’s spared a beating because of Anna’s influence on the king.
The dramatic climax of the movie occurs as Anna prepares to leave the country when she learns the king has fallen ill.
The movie’s Rogers and Hammerstein score includes “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Getting to Know You” and “Shall We Dance.”
“The King and I” screens at 7 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Historic Everett Theater, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. Tickets are $8. Call 425-258-6766 or go to everetttheatre.org/.
Herald staff
