The King and I, Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical currently receiving a revival production by Lincoln Center, has been subject to several casting controversies over the years that ultimately led to an evolution in the way the piece is produced.

Liza Minnelli did great business taking over for Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria in January. Whoopi Goldberg is having a personal triumph as Nathan Lane's successor in the revival of A Funny Thing..... Last week I saw Faith Prince, whose reputation has been built on her gift for comic brassiness, take on what was for her an utterly uncharacteristic role, that of Mrs. Anna , in the wonderful revival of The King and I that recently began its second year.

Liza Minnelli did great business taking over for Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria in January. Whoopi Goldberg is having a personal triumph as Nathan Lane's successor in the revival of A Funny Thing..... Last week I saw Faith Prince, whose reputation has been built on her gift for comic brassiness, take on what was for her an utterly uncharacteristic role, that of Mrs. Anna , in the wonderful revival of The King and I that recently began its second year.