WHETHER you were first introduced through the movie or theatre, there is no denying how significant The Sound of Music has been for the generations it entertained.
For more than five decades, this musical originally written by legendary theatrical pair Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II has continuously attracted a new set of audiences, the latest being the much anticipated international tour.
Local auditions took place back in July where children aged six to 14 were given the chance to play the famous von Trapp family characters in the upcoming showcase at Istana Budaya.
The Vibes Culture & Lifestyle speaks to some of the young and talented actors and actresses ahead of the excitement…
The Vibes: Hi guys! How exciting is it that you all get to be part of this legendary production? Tell us, what do you like most about the character(s) you play?
Vern Faye Yeoh: What I like about the character Brigitta that I play is not only is she fun to portray, but I find a lot of resemblance between myself and her in terms of personality.
Isabelle Ho: I like that Louisa is a fun sibling to be with. I love all the pranks she plays; it always makes me laugh! Besides that, I love how she loves her family so much.
Olivia Wood: What I like about Marta is that she is just a very happy and confident character.
TV: What is your favourite song(s) in the musical?
VFY: My favourite songs are ‘The Hills Are Alive’, ‘The Lonely Goatherd’, and ‘So Long, Farewell’.
IH: I can’t choose! If I have to choose, my favourite songs are definitely ‘So Long, Farewell, ‘The Hills Are Alive’, ‘Sixteen Going On Seventeen’ and ‘My Favourite Things’.
OW: ‘The Lonely Goatherd’.
TV: What is your favourite scene(s) in the musical?
IH: My favourite scenes are when all the von Trapp children came on Maria’s bed when they got scared because of the thunder, it was so funny and wholesome! I also love the scene where the Captain dances with Maria. It was very romantic and lovely.
Last but not least, I loved the part where all the kids wore the clothes that Maria made out of her bedroom curtains and played with Maria in the city, where they sang and skipped happily out with Maria.
OW: Every scene!
TV: Olivia, are you more nervous or excited about the big show?
OW: I am in between. I am excited to perform and have fun but I am nervous about the crowds that will be watching me on stage for the first time.
TV: But aside from the character you have been selected to play, is there any other character in the musical you wish you could have gotten?
OW: No, because I am very happy with my current role but someday, when I grow up, I want to see myself as Maria.
TV: Vern, do you like the singing scenes more or the acting scenes more? Why?
VFY: I like both but I prefer the singing scenes because there is some acting in them as well.
TV: Have you had any vocal and/or dance training before auditioning?
VFY: Yes, I do have singing classes and I do drama lessons in school.
TV: Isabelle, how would you reflect your personality trait with the character you play?
IH: Louisa is clever in a mischievous way but I am clever in a conventional way.
She can prank easily and I can be pranked easily. She is kind of rebellious and I am obedient. She is daring as she can catch spiders but I will run far away when I see spiders.
However, one similarity that we do share is our love for singing. Plus, we both equally appreciate spending time with family.
TV: Apart from the rehearsals planned for you, how are you preparing for your role?
IH: I practice harmonising (which is very new for me) every day. I also practice my hand movements, songs and parts that I have learned so far.
TV: Do you see yourself doing more stuff like this given the opportunity?
VFY: Yes, absolutely! I would probably see myself as an actress and influencer.
IH: Oh, yes. I hope to take up more opportunities like this perhaps on other characters in other productions. There is so much that I could learn in terms of acting and singing. This is really something I love doing. I hope I can always be the favourite choice for all kinds of characters on the stage in the future and hope I can be the main cast one day.
OW: I would love to continue with auditions and acting. Given the opportunity, I would like to attend acting/drama school.
TV: What do you wish to walk away from The Sound of Music?
OW: A lifetime experience to be working with NY Broadway and the rest of the very talented.
VFY: I would like to take home my custom-made costumes.
IH: I feel like this could be a door opened up to my dream. I hope through the experience that I gained through this broadway musical, I got to know myself better... how much I love singing, how much I love performing arts and musicals, and how far I can go from here. This could be a stepping stone to my career as a celebrity.
Also, I want to be friends with the team, which I am already doing. Just hope to make great memories working with them. Of course, this would be definitely the most unforgettable moment in life that I can't wait to experience it
TV: What did your friends say about you being part of the production and playing such celebrated characters?
OW: They are very happy for me; I think they will help me with my schoolwork and homework when I am away for the rehearsals and performances as I will be doing remote schooling.
IH: Some said I am talented and some said that I am fortunate to be selected. One of my friends was a little sad that I did not ask him along for the auditions earlier on... It is mostly my grown-up friends who are very excited to see me on stage as most of them said The Sound of Music is their all-time favourite film.
VFY: They are proud and supportive of me getting the role and they are planning to get tickets to watch me perform on the show!
TV: Why should people come and watch the performance?
OW: To see that the child actors are very confident and capable of great performances. Plus of course, it is a great story.
VFY: They should come and watch the performance to relive their fondest childhood memories of The Sound of Music!
IH: If there is a Broadway musical someone should watch at least once in their life, it would be The Sound of Music.
The Sound of Music has a simple and lovely storyline that is suitable for everyone in the family from youngest to oldest, making it wholesome entertainment for the family. It is even more special because it is performed live. Everyone will be looking forward to their favourite scenes and for each song to be sung.
Also, the interesting collaboration between the main cast from New York and the Malaysian children is something new in our country and thus should not be missed. – The Vibes, December 13, 2022
*The Sound of Music is set to be the first international musical to take the stage in Malaysia since the pandemic at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur. Produced by Broadway International Group and presented by Base Entertainment Asia, it will kick off its Malaysian season on December 27 at Istana Budaya featuring local children as members of the von Trapp family.
Head on to the link here to secure your tickets.
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