The hills are set to come alive in York this spring – as NE Theatre get ready to stage the musical classic The Sound of Music.
The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that follows aspiring nun Maria, who is sent to be a governess to seven children in 1930s Austria – it achieved iconic status from the 1965 film adaptation that stars Julie Andrews.
Now it’s NE Theatre’s turn!
The Sound of Music is at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from Tuesday 29 April to Saturday 3 May 2025.
The production serendipitously coincides with several anniversaries: the film celebrates its 60th birthday in March, while the Joseph Rowntree Theatre itself reaches its 90th anniversary this year.
March also sees Strensall WI celebrate their 100th anniversary and members have accepted creative director Steve Tearle’s invitation to join the cast – playing the abbey nuns who have several big numbers in the show.
The NE Theatre cast features a number of newcomers to the stage.
“NE Theatre prides itself on giving people of all ages the confidence to perform on stage and this is the perfect opportunity with over 20 people who have never performed before,” said Steve.
“We’re producing the show with all the elements that everyone loves but keeping with the West End trend of scaled-back sets and using lighting effects to highlight the action.
“The focus, as always, will be on the talent of the actors on stage and giving everyone a moment to shine.”
Joe Allan is musical director. Maia Beatrice and Rebecca Jackson will alternate the role of Maria while Matthew Clarke and Chris Hagyard alternate as Captain Von Trapp.
Mother Abbess is played by NE Theatre stalwart Perri Anne Barley, with Ali Butler and Aileen Hall alternating the role of Baroness Elsa. Canine performer Millie Bell will appear as Max Detweiler’s dog.
Tickets for The Sound of Music start from £20 and are available via the Joseph Rowntree Theatre website. But hurry – tickets are already selling fast!