Audition solves a casting problem
The Isaac Theatre Royal will be alive with the sound of music tomorrow.
More than 200 children will audition for singing, dancing roles in the Ben McDonald Ltd production of stage musical The Sound of Music.
The Sound of Music was written for stage by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, and made famous by the 1965 Julie Andrews film. It tells the story of Maria, a fun-loving governess who changes the lives of the widowed Captain von Trapp and his seven children by reintroducing them to music.
The musical is set against the dark stirrings of World War II, and culminates in the family’s escape across the mountains from Nazioccupied Austria.
Casting agents are looking for two teams of children to play the youngest six von Trapp children: Gretl, Marta, Brigitta, Kurt, Louisa and Friedrich. When the production is touring, the children will perform on alternating nights.
The production’s director, Geraldine Brophy, said the young actors were coming from as far away as Invercargill and Auckland. More registrations for the auditions were coming in daily. She said New Zealand had a core group of experienced child actors, but there was always the chance to discover new talent.
‘‘There’s always a special sunny starry child that hasn’t been found yet,’’ she said.
The production was looking for children aged 10 and over, who would bring the professionalism that would enable them to cope with an intensive touring schedule. The children will be paid as professional actors.
The Sound of Music will visit 23 towns and cities across the country when it tours in September and October.
Brophy said she loved working with young actors. ‘‘That fills me with absolute joy, to invite in new members of the tribe.’’
She said the fact so many children were trying out for the show proved what a ‘‘great musical’’ it was, and also showed a changing attitude towards the arts in New Zealand culture.
‘‘Out there in our world there are a great deal of people who consider their child singing and dancing to be a valuable thing. It’s not just about sport any more,’’ she said. ❚ Those still wishing to audition, should email benmcdonaldassistant@gmail.com