The King And I (1992 Hollywood Studio Cast) [Cast Recording]

Richard Rodgers (Artist), Julie Andrews (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 6, 1992)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B00000415N
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #120,097 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Broadway & Vocalists > Musicals > Classic Musicals

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Anyone who's a fan of Julie Andrews (and who isn't?) will not want to miss this CD. A pet project of expert conductor John Mauceri, this 1992 studio cast was assembled to capture the sumptuous orchestral scoring of the 1956 film version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic while also restoring three songs not used in the film ("Shall I Tell You What I Think of You," "My Lord and Master," "I Have Dreamed") as well as underscored scenes. Andrews is such a natural as Anna it's hard to believe she had never recorded the role before. Playing the King following Yul Brynner is one of the most thankless jobs in musical theater, but Ben Kingsley turns in a gruff, effective performance. As the young lovers, Lea Salonga is perfect while pop balladeer Peabo Bryson is a little too smooth, but of course he sings gorgeously. The booklet includes historical notes and photos as well as a synopsis. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Casting, March 20, 2000

By	Marieta (USA) - See all my reviews

First, I am biased in that I am a fan of Lea Salonga and Julie Andrews (which is primarily the reason for me purchasing the CD). Salonga is fabulous here! Aside from them, the characters are suitably sung/spoken by Ben Kingsley, Julie Andrews, and Lea Salonga. I enjoyed Peabo Bryson's duets with Salonga very much, though his voice did not fit his character. Marilyn Horne's voice was not quite my taste. The orchestrations were flawless, sweeping, and image-provoking. This is an excellent "King and I" CD. I have the 1996 revival CD as well (with Lou Diamond Phillips). But this CD surpasses the 1996 cast recording. This cast's spoken dialogue and singing are rich with character.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lea as Tuptim is WONDERFUL!!, July 13, 1999

By A Customer

If you are a Lea fan, you would not want to miss this album. She is even more wonderful in it than in Miss Saigon. I did not know she could reach those high notes. She has 3 songs in it, "My Lord and Master", "We Kiss in the Shadow" and "I Have Dreamed" and they are all fantastic.

Julie, Peabo and Ben Kingsley also gave justice to their roles. A must buy for all musical lovers!!!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars sparkling new recording of the R&H masterpiece, October 17, 2003

By	Byron Kolln (the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This sparkling recording of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is a good addition to your collection. John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra present the sumptuous arrangements orchestrated by Alfred Newman for the 1956 movie version, with a magical pairing of Julie Andrews and Ben Kingsley in the title roles.

Julie Andrews, it seemed, was born to play the role of Mrs Anna, though starring in a production strangely alluded her throughout her career. Happily, the situation is somewhat rectified with this recording. As expected, she offers up a glowing performance as the unflappable Mrs Anna, and sings superbly in all her numbers particularly "Hello Young Lovers" and "Shall I Tell You What I Think of You?".

Ben Kingsley (GANDHI) is wonderful as the imperious King, a role that is still vastly-identified with Yul Brynner, and offers his own unique spin to the character. He has a charming, talkative singing voice and has a good command and grasp of the material.

The role of the tragic Tuptim is played by Lea Salonga (MISS SAIGON, FLOWER DRUM SONG), with Lun-Tha played by pop singer Peabo Bryson. Salonga offers up an exceptional rendition of "My Lord and Master" and joins Bryson for the soaring duets "We Kiss in a Shadow" and "I Have Dreamed".

Legendary opera star Marilyn Horne essays the role of Lady Thiang, and wraps her warm voice around the heartbreaking "Something Wonderful". The cast is rounded out with Mevina Liufau and Edmund Kingsley; with clever cameos from Martin Sheen and Roger Moore.

This recording is a must, if only to hear Julie Andrews singing the role that got away...