The Sound of Music - London Palladium

SYNOPSIS

The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is firmly established in theatre folklore as the world's most popular musical. Millions around the globe have followed the on-stage story of Maria and Captain von Trapp since it first opened on Broadway in 1959. In 1965 the film version of the Sound of Music further popularised the story, and bought ever-lasting recognition to songs from the musical, including "The Sound of Music", "Do-Re-Mi", and "Edelweiss".

Today the Sound of Music is showing again in London's West End at the London Palladium. The musical re-opened under the direction of Andrew Lloyd Webber on 15 November 2006. It followed a very public search for the lead role of Maria on a BBC Television reality show called How do you solve a problem like Maria? after Lloyd Webber failed to land Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson for the role.

Maria-hopeful Connie Fisher was chosen by public vote on the reality TV show, and took her place on stage for the West End's 2006 revival. She now shares the role of Maria with Aoife Mulholland, another contestant and finalist on How do you solve a problem like Maria?

The Story of the Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is set in Salzburg, Austria just before the commencement of World War Two. It follows the life of a free-spirited Roman Catholic woman called Maria, who becomes governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp - a decorated Austrian war hero from World War One. Maria brings warmth, happiness and singing into a household that was under strict and militaristic governance of the Captain. The story develops and we see Maria's ways win out and romance blossom between her and Captain von Trapp, who later marry.

But the outbreak of war sends Captain von Trapp into battle for Hitler's Third Reich. Appreciating the perils that his family must now face Captain von Trapp arranges for them to escape across the mountains to the safety of Switzerland. The final song "So Long, Farewell" is an uplifting number full of hope, and a perfect anecdote to the situation in which the von Trapp family find themselves.

Background and Development of the Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is loosely based on the real life experiences of Maria von Trapp as related in her book The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. An adaptation for stage of the story was the brainchild of director Vincent Donehue, who later involved the famous musical duo of Rodgers and Hammerstein II on the production. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote the music and are credited as the creative drive behind the project that ultimately gave it its success.

The joy for Hammerstein though was short-lived. Nine months after the Broadway premiere in November 1959 Hammerstein died from stomach cancer aged 65. His legacy lives on through the von Trapp family and their continued revivals on stage and screen.