Dates have been confirmed for a revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, The Sound of Music. The show will begin performances at the London Palladium on 3 November and officially open there on 14 November.
The Sound of Music originally premiered on Broadway in 1959. It was last seen in London in a touring revival that came to Sadler’s Wells in 1991, starring Liz Robertson as Maria and Christopher Cazenove as Captain von Trapp. Prior to that, it was previously seen at the Apollo Victoria in 1981, starring Petula Clarke as Maria and Michael Jayston as Captain Trapp. The show is, of course, best known for the 1965 movie version, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer that won five Oscars, including Best Picture.
No casting has yet been announced for this new production, though the Maria is likely to be an unknown new discovery, since she is being sought by a public national television reality show. The public will vote for their favourite candidate to take the role.
The production will be directed by Jeremy Sams, who is currently represented in the West End by his revival of Michael Frayn’s Donkeys’ Years at the Comedy Theatre. Choreography will be by Arlene Phillips, whose credits include Starlight Express, the revival of Grease and directing as well as choreographing the West End stage version of Saturday Night Fever that subsequently transferred to Broadway.
The Sound of Music is being produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber under the auspices of his Really Useful Company, fulfilling a long-held ambition of his to revive the musical. Lloyd Webber's producing partnews include David Ian and Live Nation.
The London Palladium’s current tenant, Sinatra at the London Palladium, will end its run at the culmination of its current booking period on 7 October.