Steve On Broadway (SOB)

Music to London Palladium's Ears

Music to London Palladium’s Ears

The London Palladium has long served West End audiences as one of its most revered venues -- it’s where I’ve had the privilege of seeing the most recent revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver with Jim Dale (1995), as well as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2002), which ultimately transferred to Broadway last year.

Now comes official word that the London Palladium has confirmed dates this fall for one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved musicals of all time, The Sound of Music. While casting has yet to be announced, rumors abound that actress Scarlett Johansson is under consideration for the coveted role of Maria, yet a British reality show will likely yield the ultimate singing nun. Regardless, any mounting of this adored classic, particularly at a venue as prestigious as the London Palladium, is certain to be a major event. Previews begin on November 3 with opening night scheduled for November 14. Tickets will go on sale June 11.

It’s been nearly 50 years since The Sound of Music first opened on Broadway with the legendary Mary Martin in the role of Maria and Theodore Bickel as Captain von Trapp. That production earned the 1959 Tony Award for Best Musical. During the most recent Broadway revival, in 1999, Rebecca Luker filled Maria’s shoes opposite Michael Siberry’s Captain von Trapp.

Incredibly enough, however, it’s been a quarter century since the last London staging. Given the approaching 50th anniversary of the original -- as well as the impressive production team behind this West End revival that includes Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Really Useful Group, David Ian and Live Nation -- could this timeless musical ultimately be Broadway-bound?

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

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Labels: Andrew Lloyd Webber, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, London, Musical, Revival, The Sound Of Music

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, May 17, 2006