I was extremely lucky and got free, seat-filler tickets to see this show at Lincoln Center because the pope was in town and the city was a mess. Right place, right time. O'Hara was luminescent.
She really is luminescent, and incandescent, and any other similar adjective. I wasn't fortunate enough to see her in this on Broadway, but I did see her do a cabaret show at The Barns at Wolf Trap last year. Unforgettable.
What a first class performer Mr Wantanabe, he stole the show and had the audience in the palm of his hand. I knew he was good from his films but what a talent in the theatre. How he never won an award for this performance baffles me.
I liked his version of the King more than Yul Brynner’s - Ken’s was a bit more of an open character who enjoyed having fun once in a while, whilst still ruling very stubbornly. Yul came across as being permanently stern.
The subtle but oh-so-important choreography of the King gesturing for her hand, and her giving it, not advancing on her and touching her waist makes quite a difference in the scene!
yes it was the difference between a wantabee and a KING. He played the part ok but it was a bit like watching a balding high school science teacher attempting the part that was owned by Yul Brenner ❤
Magnificent performance by Keli o Hara and Ken both did amazing but Keli earned that Tony she was long overdue for one glad she won for her performance as Anna.
Absolutely gorgeous performance! It brings back memories of a night long ago when I watched Yul Brynner and Constance Towers dance, 5'th row orchestra at the (then) Uris Theater in NYC. My favorite musical number of my all time favorite musical.
Kudos to Rogers and Hammerstein. They would adore this performance. Thank you for sharing this fabulous rendition. Kelly and Ken are simply perfect. I never tire of this music or show. Broadway TV or film. It remains quite contemporary. 10 stars …. Hardly enough!
Ken Watanabe has a point: How is he supposed to learn the polka when he can’t see her feet? It makes sense that he’d have to peek under her dress a little to see her feet.
Ken watanabee and kelli o'hara performance in the king and I is wonderful so much more sublime then yul brynner and Gertrude lawrence and yup brynner an deborah kerrs
I’ve seen more charisma in high school productions. How come Mr. Wantanabe didn’t learn his part. She deserved better. At least someone who had read the script.
