Taking a memorable family musical around the world
Jonny Bowler: “It’s the kids who make the production”
Set in 1930s Austria, the postulant nun Maria Rainer is sent to be governess to the seven motherless children of the stern Captain von Trapp by the Mother Abbess who believes Maria might be better suited for a life outside the convent – a sound solution to the convent nuns’ dilemma so beautifully voiced in the song “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” With themes of the perils of war, warm tones of love and family and memorable musical scores The Sound of Music is a timeless classic.
“What day is it?” laughs the production’s choreographer Jonny Bowles on the morning of December 23 at the MAS innovation Centre, having just flown down from Macau, China. These past months Jonny has been hopping on and off planes overseeing his other productions like “Aladdin” and “The Bodyguard”.
Entering the world of theatre at an early age, Jonny’s previous directorial and choreography credits include Billy Elliot the Musical (West End), West Side Story (Arts End) etc. He was also an associate director for the production of Annie (Chris Moreono/Lunchbox Productions), associate choreographer to the International and Australian tour of The Sound of Music and also Resident Director of the China tour of the theatrical version of Whitney Houston’s famous “The Bodyguard” to name a few.
With the 1950’s America theatre industry booming with productions such as “My Fair Lady” and “Guys and Dolls” running for years – authors and composers were thirsty for new material. It was in 1958 the prolific team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein came across Maria von Trapp’s memoirs and started working on the “The Sound of Music”. The musical premiered in 1959 and ran for three years with 1443 performances. In 1960 the Broadway musical went on to win five Tony Awards, and was subsequently followed by an Oscar winning film adaptation starring Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews.
Maria and the Von Trapp children: Who will play them here?
Jonny was in Colombo to audition young hopefuls for the Von Trapp children’s roles. A former actor and performer himself, Jonny has come a “full circle” he chuckles, taking on the role of a teacher at present.
“I’m looking for children who can pick up,” Jonny said adding that the 12 kids who will be selected will need to be fully invested in “concentration” and “discipline”. Jonny who has been in the world of theatre most of his life says if the kids can “stay focused and pay attention” that’s all that counts.
Asked how the professional thespians feel about the addition of their younger counterparts Jonny openly admits “they enjoy it!” adding “it keeps it fresh for them as well.” Although the professionals have been touring internationally and have their parts down for some time now Jonny states “it’s ultimately the kids who make the production. If the kids don’t work, the production doesn’t work.”
The audition hall was abuzz with excitement as the young hopefuls nervously awaited instructions. With an initial registration of 300 children aged between 5 to 15 years, the second audition held on December 23 accommodated a shortlisted 40. Registrations will remain open until January 9 with auditions taking place on January 10 and 11 and the final selection being made on January 13. For more information parents are requested to contact the organizers on 0717114111.
The final 12 chosen youngsters will act in two groups of six. The main cast will include the professional actors taking on the adult roles of Captain von Trapp, Maria, Liesl, Baroness Elsa Schraede etc. The production will feature a company of 66 members including orchestra, ensemble, crew etc.
Having taken the Sound of Music to various international stages over the years, Jonny strongly believes that everyone has the “potential to learn”. Every production must be “the same standard we have in the UK” he affirms.
A stickler for staying true to the concepts of the original Broadway production, Jonny says he is paying homage to the craft of the directors by “nurturing their work.” When compared to the film adaptation the Broadway production packs more meat with supporting roles in the movie like the Baroness getting more of a backstory, Jonny reveals.
“Each production allows me to give audiences a fresh outlook really,” he shares adding “I didn’t come with preconceived ideas and concepts about what to or what not to expect of kids in different countries. If we don’t keep the standard alive then we’re not being faithful to our brand’s messages which can only be brought out by the depth of the musical performance,” he says.
For Jonny a “huge moment” is the reprise sung by the children who are soon joined by Captain Von Trapp as he emerges from behind them –strong in his role as the protector parent and spreading a heartwarming message of the bond between father and children.
As the interview draws to a close, Jonny who believes in “treating kids like professionals” rolls up his sleeves to begin his intensive three- week training with these aspiring young thespians.
The Sound of Music will see 7 shows taking place from February 14 to 18 at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre at 7.30 p.m. with two matinee performances on February 17 and 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be priced at Rs. 20,000, Rs. 15,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 7,500 and can be purchased
at www.cinnamonboxoffice.com.