There's been plenty of controversy over the years regarding how accurate Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King & I is in relation to what actually occurred. The musical — based on the autobiographical account of Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher who lived in Siam in the mid-19th century and tutored the wives and children of King Mongkut — has even been banned by the Siamese people because of apparent historical discrepancies. One of the major points of contention is Leonowens' reason for leaving the country; evidently, the King's illness had no effect on her decision to leave nor did he beg her to remain in Siam. While Leonowens and her son were mentioned in King Mongkut's will, there's nothing that indicates she and King Mongkut were ever romantically involved as the play implies with the number "Shall We Dance?"
Regardless of how much dramatic license the legendary theater duo used to craft their rendition of the tale, audiences have continued to enjoy The King & I and locals can see Masque Community Theatre's 2006 Summer Youth Production of the celebrated musical beginning this weekend; Emily Gail Howell directs.
The King & I, 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m., Sun., July 28-Aug. 6, 8825 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace, $10-$14, 813-980-3321.
This article appears in Jul 26 – Aug 1, 2006.
