Ken Watanabe Sets New Return Date for Broadway's The King and I
(© Paul Kolnik)
Ken Watanabe has set a new start date for his Broadway return in Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I. Watanabe will retake the crown as the King of Siam on Thursday, March 17. Hoon Lee, who is currently playing the role, will play his final performance on Wednesday, March 16.
Watanabe was originally scheduled to return to the production on March 1 at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, but postponed the date after undergoing surgery for stomach cancer. He originated the role of the King of Siam in this production and received a 2015 Tony Award nomination for his performance.
Directed by Bartlett Sher, The King and I also stars Kelli O'Hara in her 2015 Tony Award-winning performance as Anna Leonowens. She is joined in a 48-member company by fellow 2015 Tony winner Ruthie Ann Miles as Lady Thiang, Ashley Park as Tuptim, Conrad Ricamora as Lun Tha, Edward Baker-Duly as Sir Edward Ramsey, Jon Viktor Corpuz as Prince Chulalongkorn, Rocco Sisto as Captain Orton, Paul Nakauchi as Kralahome, and Marc Oka as Phra Alack.
