Shall we dance?: Landmark Musicals brings 'The King & I' to Rodey Theatre

Love. Tolerance. Power of education.

These are three key themes to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s iconic musical “The King & I.”

Since its debut on Broadway in March 1951, with Gertrude Lawrence and Yul Brynner, the musical continues to be a classic.

Shall we dance?: Landmark Musicals brings 'The King & I' to Rodey Theatre

In 1952, it picked up five Tony Awards — including best musical, leading actress, featured actor, as well as scenic design and costume design.

This is the reason Landmark Musicals decided to stage it for two weekends beginning on Friday, Nov. 22, at Rodey Theatre.

“We’ve had audiences asking for it,” said Laurie Finnegan, director. “Performers have asked for it, and it’s been especially touching for us to stage the show.”

Finnegan said Landmark Musicals’ resident set designer Dahl Delu had been asking to design the set for years.

He began to work on it before his death in August.

“We’re dedicating this performance to him,” she said. “One of his protégé’s has painted the set and the team has worked hard to bring his vision to fruition.”

Finnegan said “The King & I” remains a staple of the Golden Age of theater.

The musical tells the story of Anna Leonowens, an English schoolteacher who is hired by the King of Siam to educate his many children.

As Anna and the king clash over cultural differences, they gradually develop a deep respect and understanding for each other.

It is based on Margaret Landon’s novel, “Anna and the King of Siam,” which is taken from the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860s.

“The King & I” contains several classic songs such as “Getting to Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello, Young Lovers” and “Shall We Dance?”

Finnegan said the score is glorious and there will be a full orchestra performing live.

“We have a multigenerational cast,” she said. “We have kids from the age of six and up. These kids are being introduced to this wonderful music and show.”

Finnegan said for more than 70 years, “The King & I” has been reinvented and revived on Broadway because it has a universal message.

“It appeals to people on different levels,” she said. “The education aspect of it is beautiful in its own right. Anna was teaching the royal children and the royal wives. The king of Siam was really trying to make his country meet the Western world. He was so advanced for his time.”

The production has 42 cast members, who have been rehearsing since October.

Finnegan said in addition to the live orchestra performing, there is also a 16-minute ballet choreographed during the second act.

“The purpose of theater is to transport you to another place and time,” she said. “We hope to delight audiences by lifting their spirits.”