Cork will be alive with ‘The Sound of Music’
A major West End and Netflix star will take the role of Captain Von Trapp in Cork Opera House’s production of ‘The Sound of Music’, running from 23 July to 23 August.
Matt Blaker, leading man of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Chicago' and ‘The Bodyguard’, and a cast member of Netflix’s ‘The Crown’, who has performed to a live global audience of more than 700 million viewers on China’s CCTV New Year’s Eve broadcast, will star opposite acclaimed Irish soprano Wendy Carr as Maria.
He is joined by one of Ireland’s most celebrated sopranos, Majella Cullagh, in the pivotal role of Mother Abbess, alongside Jean Elliott (Sister Sophia), Carrie Mullane (Sister Berthe) and Emma Nash (Sister Margaretta).
There’s huge early demand for the 30-show run, with a number of performances already sold-out! Matt Blaker is one of the UK’s most experienced musical theatre leads. His West End credits include Raoul in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, Billy Flynn in ‘Chicago’, and Frank Farmer in ‘The Bodyguard’.
“In Matt Blaker, we have found our Captain Von Trapp,” said Eibhlin Gleeson, CEO and Artistic Director of Cork Opera House. “Matt brings serious West End pedigree to the role and we cannot wait for audiences to see him lead this cast opposite Wendy.”
For Majella Cullagh, one of Ireland’s most accomplished sopranos and a long-time collaborator with Cork Opera House, the role of Mother Abbess carries deep personal significance.
“‘The Sound of Music’ has been the soundtrack to my entire life,” said Ms Cullagh.
It was my Aunt Brenda’s favourite movie and we never missed watching it whenever it was showing. It was our little thing together.
“Cara O’Sullivan - my sister in song - played Mother Abbess in the last iteration of the musical at Cork Opera House, and I went to countless shows to revel in her performance. It is an honour to follow in Cara’s footsteps, and it brings a lump to my throat to think of how much this would mean to beautiful Brenda. I will hold them both in my heart every time I get to sing ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’.”
Ms Gleeson added: “Casting the Mother Abbess is one of the most important decisions in any production of ‘The Sound of Music’. We needed someone who could land ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ with the weight and emotion it deserves, and there was only ever one name for us - Majella Cullagh. Majella is a powerhouse performer and one of the finest sopranos this country has produced.”
Joining the principals are three further home-grown artists. Jean Elliott, known to Opera House audiences from ‘West Side Story’, ‘La Traviata' and ‘The Full Monty', takes the role of Sister Sophia. Carrie Mullane, whose 50-plus productions include performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall, will play Sister Berthe. Emma Nash will play Sister Margaretta.
“These are formidable, experienced, home-grown artists who will complement Majella’s role exceptionally well,” said Eibhlin. “Emma is an inaugural member of our Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artist Programme, which makes this casting particularly meaningful for us.”
Further casting and production details will be announced in coming weeks.
‘The Sound of Music’ runs at Cork Opera House from Thursday 23 July-Sunday 16 August, directed by Davey Kelleher. Tickets are from €37.50 and available now, with several performances already sold out, early booking is advised.
See corkoperahouse.ie or ring 021-4270022.