CONNIE FISHER COMES HOME
TO STAR AS ‘MARIA’
ALONGSIDE MICHAEL PRAED AS ‘CAPTAIN VON TRAPP’ IN
 “THE SOUND OF MUSIC”
AT THE
GRAND OPERA HOUSE BELFAST 

Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and The Really Useful Group are delighted to announce that Connie Fisher will extend her contract by four weeks so she can star as ‘Maria’ in the smash hit production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” at the Grand Opera House Belfast from Wednesday 24 February to Saturday 20 March 2010 (Box Office: 028 9024 1919 or www.goh.co.uk). Lisburn born Connie was due to end her contract when the show finishes its Edinburgh Playhouse run, but the opportunity to play the Grand Opera House in Belfast proved too irresistible to miss!  Connie will star opposite the previously announced Michael Praed as ‘Captain Von Trapp’.

Connie Fisher won BBC 1’s “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” and played the role at the London Palladium for 15 months, to critical acclaim. Before reprising the role for the UK tour she starred in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of “They’re Playing Our Song” and the ITV drama “Caught in a Trap” last Christmas.

Michael Praed’s musical theatre credits include leading roles in the West End productions of ‘Aspects of Love’, ‘Copacabana’, Susan Stroman’s ‘Contact’ and ‘Beautiful and Damned’. His television credits include ‘Dynasty’, ‘Robin of Sherwood’ and ‘Riders’.

Connie and Michael will be joined by Marilyn Hill Smith as ‘Mother Abbess’, Jacinta Mulcahy as ‘Baroness Schraeder’, Martin Callaghan as ‘Max’, Claire Fishenden as ‘Liesl’ and Jeremy Taylor as ‘Rolf’. Kirsty Malpass will play ‘Maria’ at certain performances.
 
This lavish production tells the story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains with its unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ and the title song ‘The Sound of Music’.
 
“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” has music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.

“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” is directed by Jeremy Sams, with choreography by Arlene Phillips, design by Robert Jones, sound by Mick Potter and lighting by Mark Henderson.
 
This production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical opened to rave reviews and sell-out business at the Wales Millennium Centre in July 2009 following a record-breaking 954 performances at the London Palladium. “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” originally premiered on Broadway in 1959, when it won six Tony Awards, including “Best Musical”.  The show first opened in London in 1961 with a revival in 1981, both productions having record-breaking runs.  The 1965 Hollywood film, which starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, won five Oscars, including “Best Picture”.

Ends

For further press information and images contact:
Eadaoin Flanagan/Ruth Wallwin at the Grand Opera House on 028 9024 0411 or email eflanagan@goh.co.uk  or  rwallwin@goh.co.uk

Simon Raw on 01625 573906/07818 444 115 or email simon@rawpr.co.uk