In the following review, which originally appeared in the New York Times on March 30,1951, Atkinson argues that while The King and I is a less innovative, accomplished musical than Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! or South Pacific, it "is an original and beautiful excursion into the rich splendors of the Far East, done with impeccable taste by two artists and brought to life with a warm, romantic score, idiomatic lyrics and some exquisite dancing."

As drama critic for the New York Times from 1925 to 1960, Atkinson was one of the most influential reviewers in America.

Nearly two years having elapsed since they invaded the South Pacific, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II have moved over to the Gulf of Siam. The King and I, which opened at the St. James last evening, is their musical rendering of Margaret Landon's Anna and the King of Siam. As a matter of...