Kiara ManningThe Ford Center will be alive with the “sound of music” on tonight when the historical musical will visit Oxford as part of its national tour.
The sold-out show will tell the story of the von Trapp family.
“The Sound of Music” most notably includes music by Richard Rogers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Ford Center marketing director Kate Meacham said she feels that the musical is a classic, as most people recognize a song or two even without having seeing it.
“It’s a great show, it’s a classic. A lot of the themes are universal, such as love, following yourself and understanding who you are and kind of being able to be true to yourself,” Meacham said. “It’s based on a true story, and it’s also sort of figuring out what is your right path, and I think that’s something most people can identify with.”
The Ford Center is excited for this particular production because it features one of Ole Miss’ own. Christina Tompkins graduated from Ole Miss in 2009 with a degree in theater, and “The Sound of Music” is her first national tour. Tompkins is a swing, also known as an understudy, and in this particular role, she will be portraying one of the nuns. She is an understudy for Baroness Elsa Schraeder, the woman Captain von Trapp is supposed to marry.
“She understudies Baroness Elsa Schraeder, and that is her formal understudy. The rest of it she has to be prepared to play any of the adult female roles, so at any time she has to be called in within a couple hours notice. They may tell her, ‘Oh, you have to play Maria tonight’ or someone else, so it’s really challenging position to be in,” Meacham said.
Senior risk management and insurance major Demero Miller said he loves that the Ford Center provides opportunities for students to see different Broadway shows.
“I think it’s cool that we get the chance to see Broadway productions such as ‘The Sound of Music,’ and for much cheaper than the usual price,” he said.
This live production will definitely bring back memories. Meacham recalls when the movie musical would come on once a year and how she would look forward to watching it with her family. She said she hopes people will come to the Ford Center and enjoy the performance.
