The Kaleidoscope Theatre will soon be presenting a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s iconic musical The Sound of Music. The production runs November 24-26 and December 1-3, 2011. There will be both matinee and evening performances on Saturdays.
At the moment the entire cast and crew are busy putting the show together. Typically parts are rehearsed individually, but now is the time when everything is practised as a whole.
“For a musical it’s probably the hardest part to direct,” said Megan McLauchlin. “It’s the most fun time, but it can be the most stressful too.”
The Sound of Music is set in Austria just prior to World War II, and the events are influenced heavily by Anchluss, the German annexation of Austria.
The musical follows the story of Maria Rainer as she is sent forth from an abbey to be the governess for the seven children of World War I veteran Georg Von Trapp.
“If you dig deep it’s at a very difficult time in our history,” said McLauchlin. “What we think of as a light hearted musical grows deeper and darker near the end.”
The musical achieved widespread fame when it was adapted for film in 1965. The film starred Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Georg Von Trapp.
The stage production is different from its big screen counterpart. A few songs and characters are different. “If you’re used to the movie this will be a neat change,” added McLauchlin.
The Kaleidoscope Theatre production is directed by Dianne Bertsch and stars Amy Burks as Maria, Lewis Frere as Georg Von Trapp, and Becky Neuman as Mother Abbess.
The cast and crew are excited to get back on stage. “It’s the next big show and everyone is really excited to get back on stage in the Kaleidoscope’s original home,” said McLauchlin. “They’re ready to bring this esteemed musical to Drumheller.”
For tickets and information call 403-823-PLAY (7529), or purchase online at www.kaleidoscopetheatre.ca.