Be a von Trapp: Auditions open for Manila run of ‘The Sound of Music’

The hills will come alive again as "The Sound of Music" returns to Manila this September and in this production, there's room for 18 children to be part of the show.

The producers are looking for kids to play the parts of the six younger von Trapp children: Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and Gretl. Three rosters will be cast and candidates are "expected to have a good level of skill in acting, singing (including part singing with harmonies) and dancing."

There are no restrictions or preference for nationality.

Candidates must accomplish an online form available at soundofmusic.com.ph. Candidates must also be present at the pre-registration session on May 6 and 7 at The Theatre, Solaire.

The official auditions will also be held in May.

Additional requirements for each roles are as follows:

• Louisa, 4'11", plays age of a prepubescent 13-year-old.
• Brigitta, 4'7", plays age of a 9- or 10-year-old.
• Marta, 4'4", plays age of a 7-year-old.
• Gretl, 4'0", no younger than 6 years old, preferably a small 7- or 8-year-old.
• Kurt, 4'9", plays age of an 11-year-old, voice must be unbroken.
• Friedrich, 5'0", plays age of a 14-year-old, voice must be unbroken.

“For local children to have the chance to star on stage with actors of this calibre in an international production from London’s West End will be a dream come true and the chance of a lifetime.  You never know where an opportunity such as this could take you!” James Cundall, Producer of "The Sound of Music" and Chief Executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions said in a statement.

Menchu Lauchengco, Raymond Lauchengco, Risa Hontiveros, Javier Arriaga, Monique Wilson, Lea Salonga, and Gianina Revilla in the 1980 run of  "The Sound Of Music" by Repertory Philippines. Photo courtesy of Memories of Old Manila / Facebook.

"The Sound of Music" premiered on Broadway in 1959. The musical was adapted from the memoirs of "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" by Maria Augusta von Trapp. 

The story begins with Maria's introduction, a young Austrian woman studying to become a nun. She is sent to be the governess of Captain von Trapp's seven children. Maria fills the children's lives with music as World War II looms in the horizon.

The musical gained popularity worldwide after the release of the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

The original Broadway production won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The film adaptation won five Oscars, including Best Picture.

The latest Manila run is produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Company and David Ian Productions, and is presented in Manila by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Concertus Manila and David Atkins Enterprises.

Tickets for the latest Manila run are now available on TicketWorld. — AT, GMA News