The King and I to be released in cinemas across the UK and around the world
THE multiple Tony award-winning Lincoln Center Theater production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I – currently enjoying huge West End success – is to be released in cinemas around the world this autumn by Trafalgar Releasing.
The King and I: From The Palladium, filmed on stage at the iconic London Palladium, will open in cinemas for one night only on November, 29, 2018, with an additional US date on December 4. Tickets are now on sale.
The production, directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher, first opened on Broadway in 2015 for a critically acclaimed 16 month run at The Lincoln Center Theater. This was followed by an unprecedented record-breaking sold out USA tour.
The show then transferred to the London Palladium in June this year, with the three original Broadway lead actors reprising their starring roles – Tony Award-winner (Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for The King and I) Kelli O’Hara, Tony and Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe and Tony Award-winner (Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for The King and I) Ruthie Ann Miles.
The London production continues to draw huge critical acclaim, smash box office records – including the biggest grossing week in the London Palladium’s history, taking £1,058,317.50 for an eight performance week – play to packed houses and receive nightly standing ovations.
With the announcement of November’s cinema release, even more theatre lovers across the globe will be able to watch Kelli O’Hara take to the stage as Anna, Ken Watanabe as The King and Ruthie Ann Miles as Lady Thian.
Also starring in this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is the multi-award-winning actor, and star of one of Japan’s most popular television series JIN, Takao Osawa as The Kralahome and Dean John-Wilson and Na-Young Jeon as the young lovers, Lun Tha and Tuptim.
Set in 1860s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.
With one of the finest scores ever written including Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You and Shall We Dance, and featuring a company of over 50 world-class performers, The King and I: From The Palladium is a testament to the lavish heritage of gloriously romantic musical theatre.
Director Bartlett Sher said: “The response from the theatre audiences on Broadway, throughout America on tour and now in London at the Palladium has been phenomenal. They have really taken this show into their hearts. I’m delighted that the worldwide cinema release will now give a greater number of people the opportunity to enjoy this production of which we are all so proud.”
Producer Howard Panter said: “This multi award-winning lavish production of The King and I directed by Bartlett Sher is not to be missed. From the three outstanding leading actors – Kelli, Ken and Ruthie – to the amazing supporting company, the sumptuous set design, the incredible choreography and of course the wonderful score, this really is musical theatre at its very best. It’s a visual spectacular, that everyone should experience and I’m thrilled that via this cinema release the show will get an even wider global audience.”
Trafalgar Releasing’s Marc Allenby said: “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I is one of the most popular and loved musicals still performed today, resonating with multiple generations of fans. Trafalgar Releasing are excited to bring this breathtaking production starring Kelli O’Hara, Ken Watanabe and Ruthie Ann Miles to cinemas around the world.”
Certificate: 12A TBC.
Running time: 180 minutes TBC.
Central ticketing site: www.kingandimusicalcinema.com/.
The King and I continues at the London Palladium until September 29, 2018.