Interview: Sound of Music's Burke Moses

 The Toronto production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Sound of Music has been a phenominal success, and will be closing January 3rd, 2010.  Having recently celebrated its' 1 year anniversary in Toronto, BWW had the opportunity to sit down and talk with two of the cast members about what it has been like to be in this long running production.  Up first is Burke Moses, a Broadway Veteran who comes to Toronto to play Captain Von Trapp:

You have recently celebrated the year long anniversary of the show, how do you keep your performance fresh every night?

Well it has been a great run and we are closing on the New Year.  Doing eight shows a week is really what separates a professional production from an amateur one.  It is something that you live with, and that is an enduring thing.  It can be problematic sometimes, but often when you are the most tired you put on your best show.  Performing a long run really is an art. 

You are primarily known for your work on Broadway, what has it been like to be performing in a Canadian production for an extended period of time?

It has been very similar to performing on Broadway.  The production standards set in Jeremy Sam's production of the Sound of Music are as good as anything that can be found on either continent.  I am proud to be in this production and haven't noticed any real difference.

Are you settling into Toronto?  

Absolutely, I love Toronto.  The street meat here beats any in NYC! *laughs*

Is there a particular part of the show that you find challenging?

I think the entire part is challenging.  He (Captain Von Trapp) is a tricky character.  He is pretty much a stiff and you have to show him grow and he really changes more than anyone in the show.   I would say the famous scene where he sings The Sound of Music to the children and they have their little reunion and hug is particularly challenging.  It is one of musical theatre's most classic scenes, and a challenge to keep it fresh every night.

Elicia MacKenzie and Burke Moses" width="200" height="300" /> 

A lot of your previous stage experience hasn't involved the amount of young costars that you are exposed to doing Sound of Music, does working with children change the way you approach the role?

It certainly cleans up your mouth backstage! Adding children to a show can be good or bad depending on the adults and the children.  We have been very fortunate to have a couple of really great bunches.  We have a lot of kids.  There are fourteen in total and the Gretl's are triple cast! They are kept in line and very well behaved so it is a real joy to work with them.  It is actually a bit like having kids, or like Christmas morning when you come to work.  I'm not sure I would like to do it every time I do a show, but it is very different and special and creates a bit of a holiday atmosphere.

Your co-star Elicia MacKenzie started in this role as a newcomer to the stage, were you able to give her or any of the other cast members any helpful tips?

With actors it really is to each their own.  You support them by being at every performance and giving your best performance opposite them.  You can't really offer much guidance.  Elicia was in excellent hands with our director and rose to the occasion.  She was facing daunting odds not just in landing the part but also in performing it well and she succeeded at every level.  Accolades for that can really only be given to her and her alone.  

With the SOM closing soon, do you have any plans for what you are going to do next?

Looking for work, what else? That's what I do!

Will you be staying in TO?
No, I'm an American, I have to go home! *laughs*  I can only be here for a certain period of time so I'll be headed back to NYC, back to either television, theatre or film.  Whatever is meant to be. 

When and Where?

Sound of Music just received its final extension, tickets are on sale for performances through January 3, 2010.  This is your last chance to see this fabulous production!

Venue:
The Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St. West, Toronto, ON

Schedule:

Tues at 7PM, Wed-Sat at 7:30PM, Wed and Sat at 1:30PM and Sun at 1:30PM

Tickets range from $26 to $110 and can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 416.872.1212 (toll-free, call 1.800.461.3333) or online at www.mirvish.com/tsom

A select number of student rush tickets are available for $25 two hours prior to each performance with valid student ID, in person at the box office.  Limit 1 ticket per person.

For more information please visit http://www.soundofmusictoronto.ca/