Charlotte set for something good

Charlotte set for something good

27 February 2013

CHARLOTTE Burke is taking on one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre.

The role of Maria in The Sound of Music means she is on stage in almost every scene, but it is a role the Dunsford student is relishing.

The St. Patrick Choral Society’s production runs next month from March in the Great Hall at Downpatrick’s Downshire Estate — telling the story of story of Maria, the young postulant whose love of freedom makes it obvious to her superiors that she is not suited for religious life.

She is therefore sent off to be the governess to Captain von Trapp’s seven troublesome children.

Before taking on Maria, Charlotte had seven years experience in the society’s youth division, and has performed in productions such as The Boyfriend and High School Musical.

“I think Fiddler on the Roof was my favourite,” said Charlotte. “My first big part was Susan, Henry Miller’s niece in Calamity Jane in 2008.”

Remarkably, the 21 year-old former Assumption Grammar School pupil has never had a singing lesson. Currently studying Art at the University of Ulster, Charlotte’s love of musical drama remains instead a demanding hobby.

“Art is my main focus,” she said. “We are a mix of people in St. Patrick’s Choral Society, some doing music full-time, for some it’s a hobby. It is really nice to see people taking it further.”

Rehearsing The Sound of Music since January, Charlotte explained that a typical adult production put on by the society had only seven weeks rehearsal.

Despite this, she admits to knowing most of the words anyway.

“I love the film, I watched it probably 60 times when I was younger,” said Charlotte.

“My favourite song is ‘Something Good’ between Maria and the captain.

“Brian McElroy is playing the Captain and we generally have quite a lot of giggling to get it out of our system,” she said of their romantic scenes.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway hit is certainly getting the full treatment from St. Patrick’s, with a full cast and all seven Von Trapp children in place.

“We tried to get as close to the ages as possible,” said Charlotte.

“Francie Morgan designed the sets, which look amazing, and costumes are hired from Utopia in Scotland so we are all certainly looking the part.”

The Sound of Music, with Gary Warnock (director) and Denise Kelly (musical director), runs from Wednesday, March 13 to Saturday, March 16 in The Great Hall. Performances start at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 adults and £8 for children under 12 on the Wednesday and Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday all tickets are £10.

Tickets are available from Gordon’s Chemist Downpatrick or by telephoning Bronagh on 07855 775634.