The Broadway revival of The Sound of Music may be closing early on June 20, but its cast members Richard Chamberlain and Meg Tolin will continue with the show on a national tour, beginning Aug. 23 at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. The revival's director, Susan H. Schulman will direct the tour.
Chamberlain is best known for his television work, including the starring role on "Dr. Kildare," "Shogun," "The Thornbirds" and "Centennial." Broadway roles include Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, Blithe Spirit and Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music, which he took over March 10. Tolin, who was in the recent revival's ensemble and served as the Maria alternate, appeared on Broadway in Showboat (Kim Ravenal) and Grand Hotel (Fleamnchen). She toured with Chamberlin previously as Eliza Doolittle in the 1993 My Fair Lady tour of North America and Europe.
Ashley Rose Orr, who plays Gretl on Broadway, will repeat the role on the tour. Other casting will be announced at a later date.
Announced dates following the Minneapolis opening include:
Aug. 24-Sept. 5: Minneapolis, MN, The Historic Orpheum Theatre
Sept. 14-19: Atlanta, GA, The Fox Theatre
Sept. 21-26: Baltimore, MD, Lyric Opera House
Sept. 28-Oct. 3: Wallingford, CT, The Oakdale Theatre
Oc.t 5-10: Nashville, TN, Jackson Hall
Oct. 19-Nov. 7: Boston, MA, The Colonial Theatre
Nov. 9-21: Cleveland, OH, Palace Theatre
Nov. 23-28: Columbus, OH, Palace Theatre
Nov. 30-Dec. 5: Orlando, FL, Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
Dec. 7-19: Tampa, FL, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Dec. 21-26: Houston, TX, Jones Hall
Dec. 28-Jan. 2, 2000: Greenville, SC, Peace Center
Jan. 4-9: Palm Beach, FL, Kravis Center
Jan. 11-23: Philadelphia, PA, Merriam Theatre
Jan. 25-30: TBA
Feb. 1-6: St. Louis, MO, Fox Theatre
Feb. 8-March 12: TBA
March 14-19: Tempe, AZ, Gammage Auditorium
March 21-April 2: Costa Mesa, CA, Orange County Performing Arts Center
April 4-9: Portland, OR, Civic Theatre
April 11-23: Seattle, WA, Paramount Theatre Further dates will be announced at a later date.
The Sound of Music originally opened on Broadway at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre November 16, 1959, winning seven Tony Awards and running 1,443 performances. The 1965 film version earned five Academy Awards including Best Picture. Songs in Music's popular score include "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" and "Edelweiss." The touring version of the show, like the recent revival, will also include the film's "I Have Confidence" and "Something Good" as well as two songs from the original produciton, "How Can Love Survive?" and "There's No Way To Stop It."
The current revival closes at the Martin Beck Theatre June 20 after 39 previews and 532 regular performances.
