Sunday Classics preview: "Small House of Uncle Thomas"

King Simon of Legree, in "Small House of Uncle Thomas"

by Ken

Late in Act I of Rodgers and Hammesterin's The King and I, the King of Siam informs the new governess for his many children, Anna, that a British diplomatic delegation is coming to Bangkok, and he wishes her to help prepare a reception.

For the gala event, which takes place early in Act II, Tuptim (the young Burmese girl who has been given by her king as a present to the King of Siam) prepares a version of Uncle Tom's Cabin, a stylized ballet called Small House of Uncle Thomas -- a fairly audacious choice to present to an autocratic king. The ballet had never been included in a King and I recording until the 1964 album based on the Music Theater of Lincoln Center production, which was of course overseen by the company's president and producing director, Richard Rodgers.

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN: The King and I

Act I, "March of the Siamese Children"


Act II, Ballet, "Small House of Uncle Thomas"

Lee Venora (s), Tuptim; cast of the 1964 Music Theater of Lincoln Center production, Franz Allers, cond. RCA-BMG, recorded July 12, 1964


IN THIS WEEK'S SUNDAY CLASSICS POST

In case you haven't guessed, more of The King and I, focusing on the Anna of the 1964 Lincoln Center production.

#