Meet the family
MONTECASINO - Since May, 18 young actors have been moulded into six of the young Von Trapp children for the Johannesburg run of The Sound of Music.
Tasked with grooming the children, Duanne Alexander and Wessel Odendaal proved that a family that plays together, works together as they started a three-week long intense practice block at Dance Cafe in Magaliessig before the show’s April opening.
The actors were split into three groups of Von Trapp children after winning the roles of either Freidrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and Gretl.
The three groups will perform on different nights to ensure those at school won’t get behind with their studies. At most, any of the children will only perform three nights a week during the show’s run at The Teatro at Montecasino. There’s always one performing group, one group on standby, and one group off every performance night. For most of the children The Sound of Music will be their professional acting debut.
Alexander is the acting coach and choreographer, and sitting in on a rehearsal was an eye-opener. With the tolerance of a saint, Alexander teaches the actors to hit all their notes during a song, to use props correctly, to ad lib and to bring their own flavour to the characters.
Odendall is the assistant musical director and ensured all the children knew their musical cues.
Much like Alexander, their playful way of engaging with the children was magical. Their hard work will be rewarded as the hills come alive with the The Sound of Music.
