von Trapp Children to Fill NYC with the Sound of Music

OK, not to give away my age, but my entrée to my ongoing musical theatre education was going to see a movie called THE SOUND OF MUSIC. And, I will admit, my first solo performance was in junior high school singing a song from the same movie called THE LONELY GOATHERD. Looking back, I can truly appreciate the music and now, I feel a little closer to this after doing this interview with the great-grandchildren of Baron and Maria von Trapp, whose musically gifted family was the basis for THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

The von Trapp Children Sofia (17), Melanie (15), Amanda (14) and Justin (11), first performed in 1997 at their grandparent's 50^th wedding anniversary at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. Life has been good since then, having toured the world and performed at such prestigious locations as the Sydney Opera House in Australia; released three CD's, including a Christmas album, and performed with renowned national symphonies, including Detroit, Atlanta, Dallas, Baltimore and the Boston Pops, not to mention performances at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and the Bethlehem Musikfest, one of the world's largest music festivals.

And now, they will be making their New York stage debut Easter weekend for two unforgettable performances only on Monday, April 17^that 2:00PM and 7:00PM at the Lamb's Theater Company (130 West 44^th Street).

So without further adieu, let's talk with the kids….

TJ: Is this your first time to New York City?

VTC: No, we have been to NYC many times before this visit. However, as many times we have been there, we always look forward for another return visit.

TJ: What was it like growing up in the von Trapp family, especially with the story of THE SOUND OF MUSIC as a part of the family history?

VTC: I'm not sure how to answer that considering the fact that we really don't know any different. I guess it's just amazing to know who our great grandparents were like, and everyday we are becoming more aware of how their story has affected countless individuals worldwide, for the better.

TJ: Do you find in your travels that audiences want to hear you sing the music made famous in the musical and the film version?

VTC: Yes. People want to hear what is familiar to them and THE SOUND OF MUSIC songs are such great pieces anyway. We truly don't blame anyone for wanting to hear one or more of these famous songs.

TJ: Have you ever met any of the actors who portrayed your famous relatives? If so, what was it like?

VTC: When we performed at the Hollywood Bowl in LA last year, we had the honor to perform in front of 18,000 people for a sing along. During this event, all the children in THE SOUND OF MUSIC were present, and we got to meet and talk to them backstage. They were all very nice people and we hope we will see them again some time soon.

TJ: What is like to be touring the world? Do you find the audiences have high expectations of you?

VTC: Touring around the world is probably the highlight of this whole adventure. That's what we love the most about this, is being able to see the different coulters, and landscapes. Audiences don't really know what to expect with us, but so far we seem to regularly have a good response.

TJ: In the movie, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, we basically see the von Trapp children singing only. In addition to vocalizing, do any of you play instruments as well?

VTC: Sofie plays piano, Mellie plays guitar, and Justin is pounding on the drums whenever we are home. However, these hobbies are for our own pleasure, we don't play them in professional performances.

TJ: What has been the most exciting thing for you about touring?

VTC: Like we said before, traveling to new places is probably the most exciting. We also get to meet really fascinating people on tour as well.

TJ: Not wanting you to give anything away, what can the audiences look forward to in your current tour?

VTC: We have really started to get more a cappella pieces in our repertoire. Over the 4 years we have been doing this, we always tend to have more fun then the last tour. It just keeps becoming more and more enjoyable, and through our growing process, our music and our training have advanced to a higher level then before. We try to make each show a little bit different, yet this tour we will be adding a few more a cappella songs we learned over the last few months.

TJ: You have been to so many places, so I have to ask you, what has been the most interesting stop on your tour so far and why?

VTC: Probably last week was the most interesting and fun for us on this tour. We flew down to Los Angeles to receive an award. We were very honored and we also got to enjoy large amounts of sushi.

TJ: Where is the place that the von Trapp Children call home these days?

VTC: We live in Somers, Montana, which is very near Glacier National Park.

TJ: I understand that the first time you sang together was in 1997 at your grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary in Stowe, VT. How have your lives changed for you since then? Is it all you expected it to be?

VTC: Life is definitely more then we ever expected it to be. We never predicted this to happen and every step of this has been such an amazing adventure. Yes, life has changed quite a bit since our grandparent's 50^th anniversary, less time with friends, and learning how to live in a suitcase. However, if we were given the choice knowing what would be ahead of us, we would not have chosen anything different from the way our life is now.

TJ: OK now here's the fun part of the interview, where we find out a little more about each of you with my questions about your FIVE FAVORITE THINGS… here we go!!!

JUSTIN:

FAVORITE CITY Seoul. Korea FAVORITE DESSERT Brownie sundae FAVORITE MOVIE Second Hand Lions

FAVORITE BOOK Island of the Blue Dolphins FAVORITE THING IN THE WHOLE WORLD Animals

AMANDA:

FAVORITE CITY: Annapolis, Maryland FAVORITE DESSERT: Chocolate Cake FAVORITE MOVIE: Far and Away,

FAVORITE BOOK: Series of Unfortunate Events FAVORITE THING IN THE WHOLE: Playing in the mud.

MELLIE:

FAVORITE CITY: Auckland, New Zealand FAVORITE DESSERT: Ice cream and chocolate cake FAVORITE MOVIE: The Great Race

FAVORITE BOOK: Count of Monte Cristo FAVORITE THING IN THE WHOLE WORLD: it's a secret.

SOFIE:

FAVORITE CITY: Salzburg, Austria FAVORITE DESSERT: Pumpkin pie FAVORITE MOVIE: The Blues Brothers

FAVORITE BOOK: Count of Monte Cristo FAVORITE THING IN THE WHOLE WORLD: Music.

The children will carry on their great-grandparents traditions by performing a range of musical styles in several languages, including Rodgers and Hammerstein favorites from THE SOUND OF MUSIC, folk songs once performed by the von Trapp family and classical pieces. The children will also be sharing stories about their family and the differences between the von Trapp's personal history and the one depicted in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, as well as taking questions from the audience. Check out their website at http://www.vontrappchildren.com/ .

The VON TRAPP CHILDREN will perform at the Lamb's Theater (130 West 44^th Street) on Monday, April 17^th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Tickets can be purchased through Telecharge (Telecharge.com or (212) 239-6200), or by visiting the Lamb's Theater box office. Tickets are $35, $45 or $55.

So now I say so long, farewell, auf wiedersehn, goodnight and don't forget, theatre is my life! Ciao!!

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