Fine cast-album of the original 1951 Broadway production
Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 09/10/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This release from the UK label Prism presents the classic original 1951 Broadway cast-album of THE KING AND I along with several great bonus tracks.THE KING AND I is regarded as one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most ravishing musical offerings; rarely has it been bettered than in the original cast-album, featuring Yul Brynner and Gertrude Lawrence.Yul Brynner (in his first musical leading role following LUTE SONG), is wonderful as the imperious King of Siam, and is more than matched by Gertrude Lawrence (LADY IN THE DARK), the celebrated British star of the American musical theater. Lawrence is superb in what turned out to be her swan-song; she died of cancer half-way through the musicals's run, and was buried in the beautiful silver ballgown she wore during the "Shall We Dance?" number.Doretta Morrow (KISMET) makes for a heartbreaking Tuptim, with Larry Douglas bringing a beautiful voice to Lun-Tha. Dorothy Sarnoff is a lovely Lady Thiang with her treatment of "Something Wonderful".There are also 3 bonus tracks thrown in for good measure; Frank Sinatra croons through cover-versions of "Hello Young Lovers" and "We Kiss in a Shadow", while Bing Crosby offers up his own rendition of "Getting to Know You".Very nice for the price."