The Sound of Music

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CORRIE HEARTTHROB GRAY O’BRIEN JOINS THE CAST OF THE SOUND OF MUSIC AS CAPTAIN VON TRAPP

TV BAD BOY TO MAKE MUSICAL THEATRE DEBUT

Award-winning Scottish actor GRAY O’BRIEN joins Bill Kenwright’s spectacular five-star production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC as Captain von Trapp, in what will mark his musical theatre debut.

Gray, who played ruthless businessman Tony Gordon in Coronation Street, will join BBC One’s The Voice runner up LUCY O’BYRNE, who will star as Maria von Trapp, as they open at The Broadway, Peterborough this December.

Although best known for his three year performance in Coronation Street, for which he won Villain of the Year at the British Soap Awards and Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards, Gray is no stranger to leading television roles. Previously, he has starred in Peak Practice in which he played the series regular character of Dr Tom Deneley for ITV and prior to that another series regular; Richard McCaig in Casualty for the BBC. Most recently, Gray was seen in the twelve part drama Titanic: Blood & Steel. His stage work includes staring opposite Peter Bowles in Anthony Shaffer’s Sleuth at The Apollo Theatre.

LUCY O’BYRNE, who will also be making her musical debut, became a household name earlier this year when she shot to success as the runner-up in the live shows of the TV talent show. With chart-topper Will.i.am as her mentor, and biggest fan, Lucy made history as the first classical singer to reach the final, impressing the nation with her stunning vocal range. Now, having recently performed at the BBC Proms, she makes her debut as the young postulant at The Broadway, Peterborough this December.

Produced by Bill Kenwright, directed by Martin Connor, choreographed by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer, musical direction by David Steadman, this wonderfully lavish staging of the classic musical coincides with the 50th anniversary of the film version - the most successful movie musical in history.

It all began with the story of the Trapp Family Singers and Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, which inspired Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse to create a Broadway musical in 1959. The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII.

The unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘So Long, Farewell’ and of course, the title song, ‘The Sound of Music’. Bill Kenwright presents a new production of The Sound of Music Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse Suggested by ‘The Trapp Family Singers’ by Maria Augusta Trapp. Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe www.rnh.com

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr - @soundofmusicGB www.kenwright.com

For further information, images and interviews, please contact Marika Player at Target Live

[email protected] | 0203 372 0960 | www.target-live.co.uk

THE SOUND OF MUSIC – UK TOUR DATES

Wednesday 2 – Saturday 12 December Box Office: 01733 822 225

Peterborough, Broadway Theatre Website: www.thebroadwaypeterborough.co.uk

Monday 14 December – Saturday 2 January Box Office: 0843 208 6000

The Lowry, Salford Quays Website: www.thelowry.com

Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 January Box Office: 0844 871 3014

Edinburgh Playhouse Website: www.atgtickets.com

Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 January Box Office: 01224 641122

Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre Website: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

Monday 18 – Saturday 23 January Box Office: 0844 871 7649

Stoke-on-Trent, Regent Theatre Website: www.atgtickets.com

Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 February Box Office: 01684 892 277

Malvern Theatres Website: www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 February Box Office: 01494 512000

High Wycombe, Wycombe Swan Website: www.wycombeswan.co.uk Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 February Box Office: 01274 432000

Bradford, Alhambra Theatre Website: www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 February Box Office: 01473 433100

Ipswich, Regent Theatre Website: www.ipswichregent.com

**Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 May Box Office: 0844 338 5000

Birmingham, Hippodrome Website: www.birminghamhippodrome.com

** Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 July Box Office: 01252 625252

Blackpool, Opera House Website: www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

** Monday 11 – Saturday 16 July Box Office: 01242 572573

Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre Website: www.everymantheatre.org.uk

Further tour dates to be announced

**Casting to be announced