How do you solve a problem like Maria, you ask? Easy, we say!
Northcliff’s own theatre extraordinaire, Carmen Pretorius will take to the stage for the month of April, this time in the iconic role of Maria in timeless classic, The Sound of Music.
“It is one of the sacred, classical female roles of the modern era. It is the Holy Grail of musical theatre and was played by Dame Julie Andrews – for crying out loud! It is a smorgasbord of meaty expression that I can throw myself into each night. It always feels so delightfully natural to deliver great writing and song,” said Carmen about her role.
The South African cast of The Sound of Music is currently touring the world with the production, which is set to return to South Africa next month.
But for Carmen, theatre is only one aspect of her vibrant lifestyle. She has dreams – big, big dreams!
Asked what she would be if she were not on stage, the quirky actress responded, ” Oh my goodness, I would be a vet who has a lucrative sculpting/art studio who is also the fashion editor of Vogue and a world-famous pop star. I need many lifetimes to explore this world.”
She loves singing, dancing, travelling, photography, food, wine (of course) and learning and is currently studying towards a degree in marketing in her rather limited spare time. She enjoys working on television and in film, singing at corporate events and spending time in the recording studio.
“I always wanted to be a pop star, like Britney, and I was obsessed with singing.”
Outside of work, Carmen can be seen out and about at various weekend markets and loves walking her dogs at Emmerentia Dam.
“I love nature and animals. I am quite the bohemian and enjoy my yoga and meditation as well,” she said.
Carmen grew up in Joburg and attended Northcliff High School. She is fluent in English and Afrikaans and is a big sister to two younger girls.
This, she says, has made her a natural protector and nurturer.
“Growing up, I felt very responsible for setting a good example for my sissies and I was very much a goody-two-shoes at school. I have now reached my late twenties and I can see that my role (in the industry and among my peers) is evolving from being the young one to being more of a mentor. Obviously, I feel incredibly passionate about setting a good example for the kids in the show. They are the future and they look up to us.”
However, a family of her own is not on the cards for Carmen, just yet… “I do find myself getting very broody but I don’t see myself having children within the next five years, minimum. I am still too selfish, and that is alright. I hope to have two boys one day. I am so idealistic, right?”
Carmen’s passion for life is exuberant. Her enthusiasm for what she does and her dedication is undeniable, and there is absolutely no doubt that her future is very bright indeed.
Catch Carmen Pretorius on stage at the Monte Casino Teatro from 31 March to 29 April – you will not be sorry you did.
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