Lloyd Webber Wants Scarlett Johansson for London Sound of Music

By James Inverne
May 9, 2005

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s revival of The Sound of Music is getting closer. And, Scarlett Johansson is his target Maria, reports Variety.

Lloyd Webber has loved the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical since he was a boy (he once told this reporter how shocked some of his friends were that he was so enamored of the "old-fashioned" show). He has been planning the forthcoming revival for several years; an opening looks likely for spring 2006.

Although best known as a composer, Lloyd Webber has previously played impresario. His Really Useful Group has produced several high-profile productions by other writers. Bombay Dreams was a RUG production, as was the short-lived Pet Shop Boys musical Closer to Heaven and the hit play Daisy Pulls It Off.

Although Johansson is not known as a stage actress, the "Lost In Translation" star is reported to be the first choice, ahead of the experienced Maria Friedman. According to the industry paper, Trevor Nunn is in line to direct. His production of Lloyd Webber’s own latest show, The Woman in White, is currently playing at London’s Palace Theatre. And, his National Theatre staging of Oklahoma! was much admired, later transferring to Broadway.

It is believed that The Sound of Music will be a co-production with Clear Channel joining RUG on the credits.