Music Theatre Hour: The King and I (Highlights), CD

This recording features the highlights from Jay Records' acclaimed complete recording of The King And I.

The King and I is based on the true story of Anna Leonowens, an English woman who traveled to Siam in the 19th century, became governess of the children of the King, and eventually played an important role in guiding the country towards Western civilisation.

First a novel, then a film without songs in 1946, THE KING AND I was “musicalized” by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1951. The Broadway musical was a phenomenon, racking up 1,246 performances and receiving 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The subsequent filmed musical won 5 Oscars and was just as successful. Recent productions include a cartoon version (keeping the R & H score) and a film starring Jodie Foster.

This Digital surround recording made at Abbey Road Studios, contains over 60 minutes of the score with Christopher Lee (Lord Of The Rings, Dracula) singing the role of the King, and co-starring three ladies from the opera world - Valerie Masterson as Anna, Sally Burgess as Lady Thiang and Tinuke Olafimihan as Tuptim. Accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra and conducted by John Owen Edwards, all the favourites are here – ‘I Whistle A Happy Tune’, ‘Something Wonderful’, ‘Hello Young Lovers’, ‘Getting To Know You’, ‘We Kiss In The Shadows’, ‘I Have Dreamed’ and ‘Shall We Dance?’

TRACK LISTING

Overture
National Symphony Orchestra
I Whistle A Happy Tune
Valerie Masterson, Henry Williams
My Lord And Master
Tinuke Olafimihan
Hello Young Lovers
Valerie Masterson
The March Of The Siamese Children
National Symphony Orchestra
A Puzzlement
Christopher Lee
Getting To Know You
Valerie Masterson, Children, Company
We Kiss In A Shadow
Tinuke Olafimihan, Jason Howard
Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You?
Valerie Masterson
Something Wonderful
Sally Burgess
Western People Funny
Women Chorus
I Have Dreamed
Tinuke Olafimihan, Jason Howard
Song Of The King
Christopher Lee, Valerie Masterson
Shall We Dance
Valerie Masterson, Christopher Lee
Finale Ultimo
Christopher Lee, Valerie Masterson
Exit Music
National Symphony Orchestra
Note: USA release of this title