Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
October 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16
Frank W. Bridges Theatre
East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination. It is 1862 in Siam when a British widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the king to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The King is largely considered to be barbarian by those in the West and he seeks Anna's assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story. The dazzling Rodgers and Hammerstein score includes many favorites of the musical stage, including "Getting to Know You," Hello, Young Lovers," "I Whistle a Happy Tune" and "Shall We Dance".