To coincide with the birthday of Oscar Hammerstein II, the Kings Theatre's in-house team will be producing and presenting The Sound of Music from Tuesday 11 – Sunday 16 April 2023
Given the incredible success of Titanic the Musical earlier this year, CEO Paul Woolf, has decided to produce on behalf of the Kings Theatre, this family favourite and once again invite local talent to audition to take part. This will be a fabulous opportunity to bring together local performers of all ages in a show that is filled with great songs that we all know and love.
The production team is looking for performers from 9 years old and upwards from all backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities. This is an opportunity for local performers to take part in a show with the usual high production standards from the Kings Theatre. To ensure the impeccable production values are maintained, Paul Woolf has brought together a highly experienced creative team led by the theatre’s Artistic Director Jack Edwards (Director), Andrew Woodford (Musical Director), Alex Musgrave (Lighting Designer) and Jacqueline Willis (Choreographer).
The final collaboration between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of Music, has become a musical beloved around the world. Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, this musical captures a personal tale of growth and hope amidst the horrors leading up to the Second World War. The score is one of the best known in the history of musical theatre; from the rousing Climb Every Mountain to the tender Edelweiss, the Kings Theatre will truly be alive with The Sound of Music next Easter.
Paul Woolf, CEO: “We were totally blown away by the success of Titanic both from an audience perspective and from the feedback from the cast involved. We have been inundated with requests to produce another show involving local performers and, as this area has such a rich seam of talent, we are thrilled to be able to provide another opportunity for them to display this. Producing shows with the involvement of the local community really is the embodiment of the theatre’s commitment as a community participator and innovator. Titanic was a challenge as it was a show few people knew. And we rose to this challenge, introducing audiences to a wonderful lesser-known title. The challenge with The Sound of Music will be quite different – bringing something new to a much-performed show without detracting from what makes it so popular. It is a challenge we accept with relish!”
Jack Edwards, Artistic Director: “Although my role at the Kings is Artistic Director, I do not often get the opportunity to direct shows. Having already directed a number of shows over the years, I was persuaded by Paul Woolf, our CEO, to take the helm once again as Director for this production. It will be great to get the chance to direct a show that remains a classic in the world of musical theatre. I am excited by the prospect of working with some incredibly talented local performers. Many of our Titanic cast have expressed an interest in taking part, which is great news. We are also excited at the prospect of new participants getting involved. This is a show that appeals to all ages, for both audiences and performers alike. We have, in recent years, had to limit involvement of our younger performers for obvious reasons, but now it is a joy to be able to present a show that has so many great roles for them. We encourage people from all backgrounds and experience to apply and we will make sure that everyone that wants to, gets the chance to audition."
Audition information will be released throughout the summer and will take place at the Kings Theatre in the Autumn.
This amateur production of The Sound of Music is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Tickets for The Sound of Music are available here: https://kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whatson-event/the-sound-of-music
