The Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge is alive with the sound of music.
One of the most popular musicals in theatre history, The Sound of Music, will wrap up Drayton Entertainment’s 2022 season with a five-week run this holiday season from, Nov. 24 to Dec. 24.
Joining the cast, is Sal Thompson from Cambridge, who plays the part of Friedrich, one of the seven von Trapp children.
“I watched The Sound of Music before, with my mom. It is one of my favourite musicals,” Thompson said.
“It’s been so much fun. And with my on-stage siblings, it really isn’t just that, on stage. I really feel connected to all of my fellow von Trapp children.”
The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows aspiring nun Maria who leaves the convent to govern the seven mischievous children of Captain von Trapp.
The iconic score by Rodgers & Hammerstein features memorable songs like "My Favourite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Edelweiss," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," and "Sixteen Going on Seventeen."
“The Sound of Music is considered one of the most revered productions in musical theatre history,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “Its classic score has become cherished by generations of theatregoers.”
For Thompson, a Grade 9 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute, the experience has been one to remember.
“During the previews so far, it’s been amazing, and I am loving the crowd,” he said.
“It’s an amazing experience. I have to say, not only for the show’s writing and direction, but the actors themselves have all put on their roles so amazingly.”
The Sound of Music is brought to life on stage by director and choreographer Timothy French, assistant director/choreographer Damon Bradley Jang, and music director, Anthony Bastianon,
Playing the part of Maria, is Jayme Armstrong and Captain Georg von Trapp, is portrayed by Stephen Sparks.
Thompson isn’t new to the local theatre scene.
“I’ve been doing this since I was four or five. I would do arts and drama classes at the Cambridge Arts Centre. I’ve done a lot of community theatre,” Thompson said.
“In the future, I just hope to do more acting.”
The inaugural Broadway production of The Sound of Music took place in November, 1959 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. It was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning five, including Best Musical, Best Actress in a Musical and Best Scenic Design.
The play was later adapted as a musical film in 1965 that starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The film won five Academy Awards and two Golden Globes including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress in a Motion Picture.
Thompson says there’s much to look forward to after months of hard work, rehearsing. His favourite part of the experience has been working with the theatre community.
“I really enjoy hanging around like minded people, getting to work with those who have more experience, and have done more productions. It’s about making those connections,” Thompson said.
“I would love to keep doing this with Drayton Entertainment and just to continue acting and doing theatre in general. It really is incredible.”
The Sound of Music is on stage from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24 at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge.
Regular performance tickets are $53 for adults, $32 for youth under 20 years of age, and $43 for groups of 20 or more and select discount dates.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online here.
