Kegan Jenkins Musical Theatre Workshop III Dr. Kerry Graves 4 February 2015

The King and I Reflection

! Amazingly I have ever seen The King and I, so I was quite interested in finally getting to

experience the show I have heard so much about throughout my life. After watching, I can see

why the story has stood the test of time and why it remains one of Rodgers and Hammersteins

most popular and heavily produced shows. It contains a very powerful messages that were

probably quite revolutionary for their time.

As I we were first getting into the film, I leaned over to Shea and asked, So, is this

basically the Asian Sound of Music? At first the two story lines seemed very similar to me. A

woman comes to help the children and actually ends up being more of a help to their over-baring

father. in that sense, they both have a similar structure. Not to mention the forbidden romance/

sexual tension between Anna/The King is very similar to Maria/Captain VanTrapp. In both films

too, what really gets the ball rolling in their relationship is when they dance! Both are also based

on true historical events! As the film went on, however, I realized that there may be similarities,

but there were much more to both stories that make them equally important.

The King and I also made me realize that Rodgers and Hammerstein were some of the

earliest feminists! You have to try to remember that his film came out at a much different time.

Women were definitely not treated equal to men. We may not blink an eye at how the character

Anna stands up for yourself to the king, but its strong women characters like her who have made

sure that women are looked upon as equals. Strong characters like Anna and Maria are the

inspiration behind the ever-growing feminist movement these days. Its times like these that

musical theatre can truly have a social impact on the world, and isnt that when it is best?

At first I didnt know if I would have a positive reaction to the show. It really felt like it

got off to a slow start and I didnt get invested in the story until about half way through. I

definitely think that many tempos could have been picked up, to help the story from dragging

along. Also, I think the 5-minute scene of just children entering and nothing else could be

reworked into something much more interesting. However, after about three costume changes

from Anna I was whistling a different tune (I mean, those dresses were legendary, am I right?)

The film even managed to have humor that people could still laugh at today, which can be hard

for such an old, overdone show. I also liked getting to see, We Kiss In A Shadow, which I

performed last year in workshop, in the context of the show. I also recognized the polka music

from learning to polka in dance class! Rodgers and Hammersteins music is bursting with

emotion in each and every song from the up tempos to the ballads.

The standout part of the entire King and I film was The Small House of Uncle Thomas

ballet. I was just completely mesmerized the whole time. The choreography was so amazing

and gripping. I could watch the woman hop across the stage when they are singing Run, Eliza,

Run all day. The whole number is so unique and historically accurate, how can you not be

captivated?

Even though I said The Small House of Uncle Thomas ballet was my favorite part of the

show, I actually have two favorites. Its a time between the ballet and Annas dresses. Those

things aside, I can also appreciate the heavy feminists undertones and Rodgers and

Hammersteins thoroughly emotive score. Sure, the film was by no means a perfect production,

but as I was watching I could imagine what an amazing live performance would be like. After

watching the film, I can definitely know that is something I would love to see!