Meet our very own von Trapp children
View(s):
Jonny Bowles, Associate Choreographer with the children: Similar to vocals, choreography plays a big role in the musical
Over 375 young theatre enthusiasts, ranging from ages to 5-15, signed up for the auditions to play the parts of the von Trapp children in South Asia’s first international theatre performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian’s West End production of The Sound of Music. Presented by Cinnamon Life, the well loved musical will be staged in Colombo from February 14-18 at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre.
The auditions took place with the Associate Choreographer/ Children’s Director of The Sound of Music Jonny Bowles and theatre professionals from Sri Lanka – Soundarie David, Anushka and Natasha Senanayake, Umeshi Rajeendra and Shanuki De Alwis. The children all of whom presented an impressive display of talent were auditioned for the parts of Freidrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl,
The casting of the 12 children was a rigorous process spanning five days, due to the precise look, sound and personality each character is required to portray. To be a part of the much-awaited musical, the children were put to the test with their ability to sing, harmonize and synchronize with each other. The challenge, according to Bowles, is to be able to be quick and efficient learners as the children merely have 30 days to practise. In addition to vocals, the auditioning process consisted of choreography, expression and composition.
Speaking on the auditions, Bowles commented, “The selection of 12 candidates from the incredible talent of 375 children was a difficult task. I am very grateful to the local theatre professionals for their tremendous support throughout the process which involved evaluation on vocal ability, dancing ability, sense of character, projection, 
tone and style and energy among many other attributes that were assessed during the auditions.”
In a few short weeks, the young artistes from Sri Lanka will take the stage as West-End’s London Palladium production of the Sound of Music is performed live in Sri Lanka at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapakse Theatre in Colombo. The sets, production equipment as well as cast and crew members and orchestra will be flown in especially for this performance. Fans of this timeless musical are promised a magical live experience of a well-loved classic.
Tickets for the show can already be booked on 011 2161161 or through www.cinnamonboxoffice.com and are fast selling out. Fans are urged to book their seats early to not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Cinnamon Life presents Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian, the Really Useful Group production of The Sound of Music – in association with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, powered by Nations Trust Bank American Express and Mercedes Benz from DIMO, Airline partner SriLankan Airlines, Skills Development Partner British Council. Banking Partner Nations Trust Bank Private Banking, Inbound Travel partner Walkers Tours, Print Media and Web partners Sunday Times, Daily Mirror, Daily FT, Life online, Daily Mirror.lk, Hi Magazine and HI TV, Radio Partner YES FM and Legends 96.6, Creative partner JWT, Print partner Anim8 , Outdoor Media partner Emerging Media, Tea Partner Dilmah Tea, Telecommunication Partner Dialog Pay, TV partner Dialog TV, Cinema Partner Scope Cinema and Official Photographer SagaraLakmal Photography.