Never before has a show attracted so much media hype as The Sound Of Music, coupled with the TV show How do you solve a problem like Maria? that searched for the leading role of Maria Rainer. A role so loving portrayed by Julie Andrews in the equivalent 1960s film. This has to be the most memorable selection of songs that a musical has ever produced and Christmas would just not be quiet the same without a visit down memory lane to this timeless classic. So imagine my delight when flicking channels I came across a TV show devoted to finding Maria! Connie Fisher in her first leading role, her powerful but delicate voice is perfectly suited to this new Andrew Lloyd Webber adaptation of the Sound of Music.
What a good job the British public did in voting for Connie she is ever inch the Maria we all know and love with her own unforgettable voice. She is not the only reason to make your way to the West end to watch this timeless classic along side her is Lesley Garrett as Mother Abbess and Alexander Hanson who is an experienced and talented actor and singer playing the role of Captain Von Trapp. Hanson in his own right has attracted roles in some of the cornerstone productions of the London Theatre scene such as Aspects of Love and a personal favourite of mine Sunset Boulevard. For all those who watched the performance of those adorable children accompanied by Connie during the Royal Variety production just before Christmas, was not enough to dig out your credit card and plan that weekend treat whilst humming that sweet Do-Re-Mi tune endlessly in your head. Then maybe it should be the fact that Andrew Lloyd Webber has achieved a life long ambition to reproduce this amazing true story of the Von Trapp family.
Mixing renowned Choreographer Arlene Philips and Director Jeremy Sams together with the original music score from Rodgers and Hammerstine. This production can only be enhanced by it being shown at The London Palladium, this being probably the most famous of all London West End Theatres. I guess that time will only tell if this new production stands the test of time and if Connie will live in the hearts of all those theatre goers, in the same way that Julie Andrews has for the past 30 years.
As well as the Sound of Music there are numerous other musicals that performed daily in London and in particular the West End.
Martin buys his London Theatre Tickets and writes articles for Theatre Tickets
