1.5 The King and I!

The Gospel of Musical Theatre

We're talking about Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King & I (1951), a complicated and beautiful show about cultural imperialism, gender emancipation and the dangers of the white savior complex.

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We talk about:

- Divas: The rise of the “star vehicle” for a diva actor, and the interesting racial & cultural background of Anna Leonowens (and Gertrude Lawrence, the actor who played her).

- Colonialism: The intersection of colonialism with Western values of equality, and when a “liberating” culture becomes an imposed culture that does violence in the name of greater freedom.

- Forgiveness: The nature of forgiveness, and the possibility of real relationship across cultural, gender and ideological difference.

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You’ll hear:

- Gertrude Lawrence singing “Getting to Know You” from the Original Broadway Cast recording.

- Lea Salonga and Peabo Bryson singing “We Kiss In A Shadow” from the 1993 Studio recording.

- Ruthie Ann Miles singing “Something Wonderful” from the 2015 Broadway Revival Cast Recording.

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Check out some of our all-time favorites!

• Phantom of the Opera
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Jesus Christ Superstar!
• Schmigadoon! (Season 1 / Season 2)
• West Side Story!
• Yentl!
• Frozen!
• Barbie!

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Continue the conversation with us on Instagram (@gospelofmt).