Interview: Broadway Veteran Merwin Foard Discusses THE SOUND OF MUSIC's Timeless Impact

This June, the city is alive with the familiar sound of Rodgers and Hammerstein's iconic music. Making their rounds on a critically-acclaimed national tour, the latest production of The Sound of Music plays the Cadillac Palace Theatre until June 19. This memorable limited engagement brings audiences the classic tale of a free-spirited nun and her chance encounter with a hard-hearted captain and his seven children. Broadway veteran and Disney actor Merwin Foard (Max Detweiler) gives us the inside scoop on bringing this unforgettable story back to life.

This tale is definitely a timeless one. Why does The Sound of Music continue to be one of the most popular musicals to date?
It's one of those rare near and dear stories. I can't tell you how many times I've been at the stage door and someone has said to me, "We watch the movie version once a year as a family tradition." There's just something about this story that's become a family favorite. It's not going anywhere anytime soon.

You probably get this question a lot: What makes this national tour different?
Interestingly enough, I think this tour really stands out because of its timing. We're in such a political time right now and this story has so many undertones of politics' impact on families. We don't play the subject matter up. But I'm finding that audiences are watching this story unfold and it's the same story they know and love, but the weight of the themes really resonate differently.

Not to mention, we've got some pretty stellar cinematic effects. The set is continually moving! In typical Broadway-style shows, there are scene changes where they dim the lights and do a blackout. In this production, audiences watch every scene change happen onstage. You flow right from Mother Abbess to Maria on the hills and so on...It really makes the story go by quickly. It's done so seamlessly and beautifully.

Uncle Max is an iconic character. What's the best part about tackling this infamous comedic role?
He really is responsible for a lot of humor in this show! I play a lot of villains, so for me to take on this fun, silly role is a joy. He's just that eccentric uncle with his own agenda to better his personal position in a very political time. It's also really cool to be able to sing songs that audiences might not know. In the film version, Max and Elsa aren't musical. So when we break into song, we really have fun doing it.

Speaking of tunes, do you have a favorite?
I'm onstage watching when the kids sing 'So Long, Farewell' and I always love it. It's such a cute number with great staging. I also make my entrance when the kids are singing 'The Lonely Goatherd' which you can't help but smile at too.

This cast is, of course, chalked full with children. What's it like working with so many kids?!
There are a ton of kids that travel with us, and a lot of them are around the 8-12 age range. I'm a father of two--they're 23 and 18 now--and it's reminiscent of when they were younger. I'm actually the only dad in the company. For a while, until Melody Betts (Mother Abbess) joined our company, I was the only parent! It's a lot of fun. There's a lightheartedness and positive energy that comes with these guys.

Let's talk about your outstanding resume. You've been in Broadway's Aladdin, The Addams Family, The Little Mermaid, The Beauty and the Beast and more. Plus, you've done a ton of voiceovers in Disney movies. How did you break into showbiz?
Funny story. I got into this industry pretty late in the game. I'm from Charlotte, North Carolina and there wasn't a big arts program or much theater exposure for me growing up. I graduated high school dreaming of doing radio broadcasting. I decided to study voice, got a voice coach, was told I should try performing and it kind of went from there.

Eventually I moved to New York City to study at Manhattan School of Music. Hey, it worked out! I have 16 Broadway shows down! My first was the 1983 revival of Show Boat at what is now the Gershwin Theatre. Then, I got lucky and was able to stay in the city and keep getting good work.

With so many awesome roles under your belt, do you have a favorite?
I'd jump on the opportunity to play Javier again. Playing Gaston was a riot. Jafar was also tons of fun. Those are my top three. See? Lots of villains!

When you're not at the theater or gracing the Great White Way, where can we find you?
Well, today we went to the Field Museum! It was great. When I do get to tour, I love spending time in each city and visiting the museums, parks and restaurants. I do really love Chicago. While I'm here, you might find me at Millennium Park or biking near the lake. Of course, I tried Portillo's...

I have to ask: The Tony Awards are this week. Are you watching? More importantly, are you rooting for anyone or any show in particular?
We're going to be doing a show during the Tony's but the cast has made a pact! We're blocking all social media and telling everyone we know not to text us so that we don't get any spoilers! Then, after the show we'll all pretend to watch it live.

Like the rest of the world, I'm rooting for Hamilton. Lin-Manuel Miranda's ability to educate through music is incredible. The wins will definitely be well-deserved. I'm also rooting for my friend Danny Burstein and for the entire Fiddler on the Roof production. There's also this show called "The Humans" which I hope takes Best Play. It's sensational. I'm really excited for the entire thing...it's always a beautiful night and I get to watch with a beautiful company.

---

See Merwin Foard and the rest of "The Sound of Music" cast in an unforgettable limited engagement! The show runs until June 19 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for ticket information.

Photo Credit: Margie Korshak Images

To post a comment, you must register and login.