The Sound of Music will be produced again in Prince George and the public is being called for auditions.
Musical theatre producer Judy Russell has brought Prince George smash hits like Jesus Christ Superstar, Cabaret, West Side Story, and the recent triumph Les Miserables. She is also behind the annual alternation of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.
Now she turns her attention to one of the world's most beloved musicals. The Sound of Music has been a blockbuster in London's West End, New York's Broadway, and the movie with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer is ranked among Hollywood's all-time best films.
It has been done a number of times in Prince George before. High schools have used it as a training production for aspiring thespians, Prince George Theatre Workshop did a version in its heyday, and it was most recently given community-professional treatment by Excalibur Theatre Arts but that was in 2003.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the film, and celebrations have been springing up around the world, most famously by Lady Gaga during the Oscar Awards telecast in February.
"With so much attention on it right now, and so much positive response to what Lady Gaga did, I got the feeling this was the right one to do next," said Russell.
Her last major shows were Les Miserables and Spamalot, a wild mood swing between thickly dark and giddily funny, so as a director she was also looking for some middle ground from the material she will be immersed in for the next many months.
"It's such a happy story in the end, and people have always been interested in the Von Trapp family story, but this show also has some grit to it, with the Nazi invasion of Austria, so it hits all those emotions," said Russell.
Those interested in a part can take part in the auditions being held Friday from 6-9 p.m. and April 18 from 3-6 p.m. at Enchainement Dance Center. Auditions are by appointment only. Call 250-563-2902 or message judydance@shawcable.com to book a try-out for these volunteer roles.
"I played Liesl when I was in high school in Richmond, and my parents put the show on in Prince George in 1983 with PG Theatre Workshop (Jack Dunn directed, with choreography by mom Bunny Murray and musical direction by dad Alex Murray), so it's been a big part of my world," Russell said.
There are 20 main cast positions for almost all ages, plus a number of positions for chorus, extras and a large need for crew.
Sound Of Music Synopisis
Maria Rainer is a sweet young postulant whose love of freedom makes it obvious to her superiors that she is not suited for religious life. Thus, she is sent off to be a governess to Captain von Trapp's seven troublesome children. Unlike previous governesses, Maria becomes friends with the children due to their mutual love of music. Soon, even the strict Captain begins to admire Maria. Eventually, the Captain and Maria fall in love and are married. Unfortunately, when the Nazis invade Austria, the entire family is forced to flee over the Alps to escape.
