A timeless tale of love between unlikely individuals has been a spectacular success at Resorts World Manila. The Sound of Music runs until December 11, with some shows sold out. The fantasy-based Kaos, a musical spectacle about a prince searching for true love, was well received when it ran from November last year to June, but The Sound of Music has made an even bigger impact.
For one thing, it's a world-class production of which the Philippines should feel proud because it is entirely headlined and produced by Filipino artists. The story, with 1939 Austria as its backdrop, is in line with Filipino values and faith in God, according to Kingson Sian, president of Resorts World Manila.
'The Philippines is one of the few countries in the world that can put together such a major production entirely with its people, and we are so lucky to have all the talents in one place. Many Filipinos are highly successful globally as actors, singers and musicians. By bringing these talents together to perform in their home country, we hope to make Manila more attractive as a tourist destination,' Sian says.
The Sound of Music is based on the musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. It was first staged on Broadway in 1959 and had 1,443 performances before premiering in London in 1961. In 1965, it was made into a film that starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.
The Sound of Music is the story of Maria Rainer, who is appointed governess of the seven children of widower captain Georg von Trapp. She teaches them the rudiments of music and allows them to discover a talent for singing they never once thought they possessed. In the process, the captain's cold and stern heart turns soft towards his children, while the stiff relationship he once had with Maria gives way unexpectedly to love. Soon, they find themselves threatened by the uncertainties of wartime as they struggle to build a new life together.
Maria is played by well-known Filipino actress Joanna Ampil (right), who has performed in London's West End as Kim in Miss Saigon and in productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Miserables. Captain von Trapp is played by Audie Gemora (pictured), who is known as the king of Philippine theatre and has performed major roles on Broadway and in the West End. The musical also features some of the country's best production and creative teams, while music is by the renowned Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. The show is being held at the 1,500-seat Newport Performing Arts Theatre, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, lighting and sound systems.
