Production of a beloved tale set to take Palace Theatre stage
Jill-Christine Wiley performs as Maria in "The Sound of Music."
Jill-Christine Wiley performs as Maria in "The Sound of Music."
Mike McLean takes on the role of Captain von Trapp in "The Sound of Music."
Before “The Sound of Music” became a household name when Julie Andrews took on the role of Maria in the 1965 film, the show actually got its beginnings on the stage.
At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, that original show will be performed at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg by NETworks Presentations as part of a North American tour.
Mike McLean, who takes on the role of Captain von Trapp, said the original version is definitely different than the movie.
“When audiences come to the show, they’re going to see something new in a story they thought they already knew,” he said. “They will have the chance to see it in a different light, and it’s so beautiful when you’re able to see something live and in its original form.”
He added that there will be songs in this production that were not part of the movie.
Ted Chapin, President of Rodgers & Hammerstein, recently said in a press release that he “waited for a moment when we could rediscover ‘The Sound of Music’ as it was originally created.
“Because of the enormous success of the film, few were aware that it started life as a hit Broadway show — and a very big hit at that,” he added. “The artists behind this production embraced what the authors wrote, looked at it all through modern eyes and, in so doing, found depth and resonance that has been recognized by critics and audiences across the country. It’s like visiting an old friend but finding yourself surprised as well. It’s also a reminder of why this show is such an evergreen.”
The creative team for this new production includes direction by Matt Lenz, based on the national tour’s original direction by three-time Tony Award-winner Jack O’Brien. Original choreography by Danny Mefford has been recreated by Jonathan Warren, with music supervision by Andy Einhorn.
McLean said he auditioned for the role because this musical has always been near and dear to his heart, as it’s one of the best known shows in the Rodgers and Hammerstein cannon of musicals.
“It’s just always been part of my life,” he said. “Mom mom sung ‘A Few of My Favorite Things’ to me when I was a kid before I even knew it was anything else other than a song sung by my mom. Now it’s in my life every night and I’m just so blessed to be a part of it.”
McLean said there are some challenges to playing such an iconic role as Captain von Trapp.
“The role is challenging, but it’s also everything you want as an actor because the character goes through so much change,” he said. “The challenge each day that I take the stage is having to look at what personal aspects of my life that I’m going to bring to the character and what I need to leave at the door.”
McLean has performed in the role over 400 times over the course of this tour so far. Jill-Christine Wiley plays opposite McLean as Maria.
Tickets are $34, $46, $60 and $74 and can be purchase by visiting www.thepalacetheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at 724-836-8000.