With all due respect, it was a three-week vacation for Brynner and Towers. Lansbury was, of course, sublime and Mel Gussow in reviewing the vacation relief cast had this to say about her: "She is giving a magnetic star performance as a character who, far more than the King, carries the musical burden of the show. Working against the prim, moralistic side of Anna, Miss Lansbury makes her seem impetuous and headstrong. What else could project her—a widow with one son—into joining the court of this autocratic monarch? Anna has nerve and even bluster, and Miss Lansbury makes us feel the woman's strength. Despite the fact that she whistles happy tune, this lady is definitely not afraid."
I attended Lansbury's first performance in "The King and I" and found myself sitting directly across the aisle from Richard Rodgers. He was beaming from ear to ear throughout. |
