Truly great thespians are few and far between. When I was a little girl, I had the incredibly fortunate pleasure to be able to see the stage production version of the “King and I” with Yul Brynner—and I absolutely fell in love with him.

This affection for the character played by Yul was not just a girlie crush—my partner as a child was influenced by the King character with regard to ideal visions of being a man, too. When you combine the visual and intellectual plethora of concepts presented by this drama, you have a virtual feast for the nourishment of the mind and soul.

There is no man on the planet alive sexier than Yul playing the King of Siam… and certainly, the character still has earned my lifelong crush. Reflecting now, I can see where Anna’s character has broadened my perspective on multiculturalism, teaching, social and emotional education, and the overall storyline totally expanded my visions of political ethics!

One must see this classic tale (even if it can only be in a movie). Besides, the music is fabulous—and my family laughs back and forth and quotes the lines (and we all cry together at the appropriate moments when its playing, too). This may be a simple, fun and funny little history-based musical, but bring a tissue or two.

RIP Yul—and for your incredible stage presence and gifts to the world, thank you.

Now I finally understand why the Saturday Night Live sketch about Yul Brynner’s cousin Kitty Brynner’s Travel Agency (Travel Et Cetera) was so hilarious. FINALLY.