Ken Watanabe is The King of Siam in THE KING AND I

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 12:58pm

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/30/ken-watanabe-will-star-opposite-kelli-ohara-in-the-king-and-i/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

Previews begin 3/12 in advance of a 4/16 opening.

Kelli is finally "official" as Anna. Updated On: 6/30/14 at 12:58 PM

[tazber]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 12:59pm

He's a great actor.

It says Kelli will also star. Has that been confirmed?

[Auggie27]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 12:59pm

Damned good casting.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:00pm

I would consider this confirmation of Kelli.

[n2nbaby]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:01pm

Holy crap! This is wonderful casting.

[Taryn]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:11pm

Whoa.

[broadway86]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:14pm

I need to see this.

[Kad]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:17pm

Wonderful news! This is sure to be a beautiful production. The Playbill article confirms they're using the original orchestrations, as well.

[DAME]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:19pm

"The Playbill article confirms they're using the original orchestrations, as well."

One of the few things in recent years that I will be buying tickets in advance for. I also want to see it on opening week before the tourist audience settles in.

Updated On: 6/30/14 at 01:19 PM

[HorseTears]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:22pm

Sigh. When will white actors' time come on Broadway? Yet another lead role going to an Asian. I mean, right, Jon???


I had no idea they were going for such a big name. This is truly WONDERFUL casting. Ken Watanabe is just perfect for this role. Name recognition outside of theatre cricles, an imposing and magisterial figure, and someone who will, no doubt, have plenty of chemistry with his leading lady. Man, this production went from must-see to will-sell-After8's-firstborn to get a ticket.

Updated On: 6/30/14 at 01:22 PM

[kade.ivy]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:23pm

So exciting! I'm glad to hear about what is shaping up to be a beautiful, traditional Broadway production! Glad that Kelli is officially confirmed and that they went with Watanbe! This is officially on my list of shows to see next summer.

[StickIt]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:24pm

Just curious: do people have a problem with the fact that he is Japanese and not Southeast Asian? I'm curious because here and on other boards, there was a lot of discussion about the problematic nature of casting someone who is racially inappropriate in this day and age, but the discussion mostly focused on white males being suggested for the role.

There was a bit of handwringing here over some other casting decisions in recent years taking jobs from Southeast Asian actors specifically, so I wondered if this casting was troubling for anyone?

[NYadgal]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:25pm

Fabulous!

[beautywickedlover]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:26pm

Perfect casting!

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:27pm

Wow, this is incredible. I'm so happy they're using the original orchestrations as well.

[newintown]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:30pm

"Just curious: do people have a problem with the fact that he is Japanese and not Southeast Asian?"

No, to white people, all Asians are interchangeable. Korean is Vietnamese is Laotian is Thai is etc., etc., etc.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:30pm

SOMETHING WONDERFUL.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:31pm

Heaven.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:32pm

Wonderful! And Christopher Gattelli overseeing the original Jerome Robbins musical staging--which means we'll get a GORGEOUS "Small House of Uncle Thomas" ballet!

[jawjuhh]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:36pm

I don't really have a problem with it, but I'm Chinese not Thai. Asians are obviously not interchangeable but at this rate I'm just glad he's not being played by a white actor. Slowly inching towards progress

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:37pm

Wow, if this casting is as good as people are saying, I will defientely consider this,

Hopefully, Kelli will get her Tony next year and it sounds like she could.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:38pm

Well, I don't think where he's from regionally matters. He's an actor. He's going to act the part.

[wonkit]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:41pm

How fantastic!

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:42pm

So effing excited. Now those thinking they won't go with Kelli can relax.

[StickIt]

Posted: 6/30/14 at 1:42pm

"Well, I don't think where he's from regionally matters. He's an actor. He's going to act the part."

A lot of people seemed to disagree with that idea when the idea was brought up of someone like Michael Cerveris. I was just wondering if people were still upset even though Watanabe is Asian, though not Southeast Asian but rather Japanese. To me, I'm excited to see him in the part, but I can understand the argument for racially accurate casting.

IMO this has a lot to do with it sadly:
"No, to white people, all Asians are interchangeable. Korean is Vietnamese is Laotian is Thai is etc., etc., etc."