Zoe Beavon

The hills are truly alive with the arrival of London's West End production's The Sound of Music. On the gala night (September 29), audiences across generations came running to the Theatre at Solaire just to see the show for the first time and for some, many times over a beloved musical that became part of their childhood. The Sound of Music is a nostalgic theatrical experience that brings candid memories of yore and a myriad of familiar tunes that would prompt any viewer to go home humming if not singing.

Every generation, past or present, knows what a great musical is: it's one that's so hauntingly memorable, its score and plot reflective of the time or the aspirations of the time. Such is The Sound of Music whose songs and romantic narrative have haunted us to this very day, since its November 16, 1959 Broadway opening.

From England to New Zealand to Hong Kong, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber-produced 2006 lavish revival of The Sound of Music finally made it to Manila, which officially held its gala performance last Friday, September 29, at The Theatre at Solaire and an after party at the Diamond Hotel. (Thanks to Globe Live, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Concertus Manila, and David Atkins Enterprises--yes, it takes a village to import a first-rate international theatrical production!)

Associate Director Frank Thompson, who was also the resident director of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's revival production of The Sound of Music at the London Palladium, presented the cast of the international touring production of The Sound of Music, led by Carmen Pretorius (Maria) and Janelle Visagie (Mother Abbess), at a media call yesterday.