Andrews in ‘The King’?

In the review of “The King and I” (“Royal Treatment for ‘King’,” May 18) Robert Koehler commits a major error not once but twice comparing the performance of Mrs. Anna to that of Julie Andrews, who never played in “The King and I”.

On Broadway, the role was originated by Gertrude Lawrence, and in the film by Deborah Kerr. I was the press representative for the Broadway engagement, and, oddly enough, was also the P.R. rep for Broadway’s “My Fair Lady” in which Andrews did play the title role.

On Broadway after her death, Miss Lawrence was followed first by her understudy, Constance Carpenter, and later by Celeste Holm. In subsequent national companies there was a host of other Mrs. Annas, but Julie Andrews was never one of these.

Mr. Koehler has not done his homework and should be flogged with a wet Thai noodle.

PEGGY PHILLIPS

Dana Point

Although Andrews did not star in a staged production of “The King and I,” she sang the music in a popular 1992 recording also featuring Ben Kingsley and subsequently made concert appearances singing songs from the musical.