The Sound of Music, one of the most venerable of 20th century musicals, will be presented on stage at the Shanghai Grand Theater.
The production will run for four weeks from May 22 to June 23.
The musical was written by Rodgers & Hammerstein (R&H), a partnership founded over 50 years ago by the composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II.
Jennifer Avery Samrick is cast as the inspiring heroine Maria in the show. She appeared before the media on Tuesday.
Samrick's delicate features, curly brown hair and beautiful glittering eyes led many to say she fits their image of Maria.
Though dressed in the black gown of a nun, Samrick demonstrated the naughtiness of Maria while singing and dancing with some 30 Chinese children.
A consummate dancer, Samrick appeared with the Atlanta Ballet Company for one year before expanding her horizons to include the stage.
She has appeared as Juliet in Romeo & Juliet, Antigone in Antigone, and Susan in Company.
Her elegant soprano voice has lent itself to many musical roles, one of her favorites being Laurey in Oklahoma for which she was nominated for the Irene Ryan Award.
Samrick expressed her love for the musical and told her own stories related to it during an interview with China Daily.
In Samrick's opinion, The Sound of Music has more substance than many musicals.
Samrick said, "It tells us a lot of noble things: passion for life, the love of children, the process of change from girl to woman, the profound love between Maria and the Captain, loyalty to country..."
Therefore, different people can be moved by different content in the same musical and that is probably the reason it is shown time and time again not only on the stage but on the big screen and television, she added.
For Samrick, the most fascinating part of the musical is that "it is a true story of a true person." It makes the story more approachable when an audience knows there was a Maria von Trapp in real life.
"Trying to convince the audience I am Maria on stage is crucial," she said.
Samrick revealed before she auditioned for the role of Maria that she read a lot of books on Maria and the von Trapp Family, such as Maria's autobiography and biography, and the von Trapp children's recollections of her.
Studying these books helped Samrick probe deeper into the inner world of Maria von Trapp.
However, the organizers believe events in Samrick's own life have brought her much closer to the role of Maria.
"I have found my soulmate and married him last year," Samrick said, blushing.
Whenever speaking of her husband, Samrick's face shines with happiness.
She believes marriage has taught her what love really means and helped her to understand how Maria grew from a lovable girl to a graceful lady.
Samrick said, "My husband is also preparing for an audition for the Asia premiere. I hope we can visit this beautiful city together."
She joked she wished her husband could play the role of the Captain so they could kiss passionately on stage every day.
"What a pity! My husband is a bass, but the role of the Captain requires a tenor," sighed Samrick.
Nevertheless, the production has already left her with many happy memories, the actress said.
They include the wonderful friendship Samrick now has with the 'von Trapp' children in the show, ranging from 6 years old to 17.
Samrick said with a smile, "The smallest one, the 6-year-old girl, was the flower girl at my wedding."
Samrick said singing the much-loved songs written by Rodgers and Hamerstein also frees her from everyday concerns.
"My favorite song in the musical is My Favorite Thing," she said. The song gave her strength when she was settling down in intensely competitive New York.
When asked "What's your reaction when you are compared with Julie Andrews," Samrick showed her sincerity and confidence as well.
"Julie Andrews is my goddess, but I want to give the audience a different Maria," she said.
She said film is very different from a musical. The acting in a musical is more direct and intense than in film.
Samrick said her brief stay in Shanghai has made her love the city and she is looking forward to doing her best before the audience here.
(China Daily February 13, 2004)
