Interview: Dan Tracy Talks Rodgers and Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! A brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC is coming to the Belk Theater, November 24-29, 2015. This is a spirited, romantic and beloved musical with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Edelweiss" and the title song. Part of the 2015-2016 PNC Broadway Lights.

Dan Tracy was getting ready to perform his role as Rolf when I spoke to him in Dallas.

LAW: Where are you now?

DT: I'm in Dallas, Texas. We were in Los Angeles. This is the 75th performance of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. It's beautiful here. We're going to take in Dallas and do a little line dancing while we're here.

LAW: Tell me about your childhood.

DT: I was the oldest of three boys and I grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. My mom saw that I had an interest in music and she helped me nurture that.

LAW: When did you start performing?

DT: I started singing first in the Catholic School Children's Choir. I then got cast as a local talent in The Remarkable Farkle McBride with John Lithgow at the Providence Performing Arts Center. That was a memorable experience. I learned so much.

LAW: Where did you train?

DT: I took acting classes and I also performed in community theater, while I was in high school. I knew I wanted to attend the University of Michigan. They have a great music program.

LAW: How did you land the role of Rolf in THE SOUND OF MUSIC?

DT: Rachel Hoffman, a University of Michigan alumni, cast our senior show there. She was the casting director for THE SOUND OF MUSIC touring show. I heard that they were looking for someone who wasn't traditional for the role of Rolf and that I might be suited for it. I auditioned and I was cast.

LAW: How do you prepare for your role?

DT: Originally, I researched the time and era of 1938. Our director, Jack O'Brien, was so helpful in how I approached this role. I looked at a lot of rural community pictures from that time. And I thought about Rolf being uneducated with an elevating Nazi party and what that struggle was for him. The play was a bold piece of writing originally.

LAW: How do you prepare and keep the role fresh night after night?

DT: We [the cast] workout to the Insanity video. I also do vocal warm-ups and sing. There are so many different factors and live elements to achieve. I give myself over to the music and I use personalization in Act II.

LAW: What's been your best experience being on the road?

DT: Sigh,... (pause) I've been blessed with all the productions. I guess American Idiot. The whole Green Day band was there hanging out with us. That was amazing.

LAW: What has been your worst experience being on the road?

DT: Traveling is hard and weather can't be controlled. I think that's the worst, when the weather is bad.

LAW: What's your favorite thing to do when you are back home?

DT: I play golf two times a week in New York and I write.

LAW: What's your favorite restaurant?

DT: (Pause) Japanese... I don't have a favorite restaurant.

LAW: What will audiences take away seeing this show?

DT: This production connects this material to a contemporary audience with romance and danger. It's relevant, then and now. THE SOUND OF MUSIC shows the human side of the struggle. Jack O'Brien, three time Tony Award® winner, was on my bucket list, when I read his memoir in college. I am so grateful to be in this show with his direction. People will have a new take on this production. It's truthful and real. Real from top to bottom.

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