The popular Island Savoyards return to Shanklin Theatre this Easter weekend with The Sound of Music – arguably one of the most well-loved, family musicals of all time – for what is sure to be a cracking show for all to enjoy.
The Sound of Music was the final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein and features a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favourite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “16 Going on 17” and the title number, “The Sound of Music” won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars.
The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
The Savoyards are always blessed with outstandingly talented casts and this production is no exception, as the company welcomes new and returning members in principal roles:
- Rosie Sales steps into Dame Julie Andrews’ shoes to play Maria, a role she has always dreamed of portraying. By happy coincidence, Rosie played Gretl, the youngest von Trapp, as a child on the very same Shanklin Theatre stage. Audiences will remember Rosie’s larger than life portrayal of Doralee (Dolly Parton) in 9to5 – The Musical (2017).
- Stuart Adams is welcomed back to the company as the regimented Captain von Trapp. After he becomes a widower, he seeks a governess to take care of his 7 children and the rest, as they say, is history! Stuart’s last principal role with the company was as Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol; he has also had many smaller and ensemble roles with Savoyards over the years.
- Also making a welcome return is Olivia Pike as Mother Abbess, who has the honour of singing Climb Ev’ry Mountain in this production. Olivia has performed many times with Savoyards, notably as Baroness Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2019). She is also no stranger to playing a nun, having played the role of Sister Mary Patrick in both of the company’s productions of Sister Act the Musical!
- Also returning for The Sound of Music are: Alice Burton-Jones as Liesl von Trapp, Daniel Farmer as Rolf Gruber, John Abraham as Franz and Maureen Sullivan as Frau Schmidt.
- The Island Savoyards are delighted to introduce Maurice Kachuk as the charismatic Max Detweiler in his first principal role with the company. Also joining the cast is Natasha Edwards, as Elsa Schraeder, Captain von Trapp’s initial love interests
- In addition, The Island Savoyards are delighted to welcome a junior cast playing the charming von Trapp children and a large ensemble of nuns, ballroom guest and soldiers.
As with all Island Savoyards shows, audiences can expect high production values, with grand sets and professional costumes, expertly overseen by director Andrew Jenner-Wilson. The production will be accompanied by a large orchestra of professional musicians led by musical director Steve Burton. The dance numbers in this production are choreographed by Joanna Adams, who has assisted with stage direction, especially for the junior cast.
Tickets are selling now for performances at Shanklin Theatre on Thursday 6th, Good Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April at 19:30 and Easter Sunday 9th April at 14:30. They can be obtained from the Box office 01983 868000 or online by calling www.shanklintheatre.com
