Mike McLean brings a whole new perspective to Captain Georg von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.” He admits that he has learned a great deal as well. This new production it powerful and thought-provoking while carrying the music we all know and love. Check out our interview with McLean below.
“The Sound of Music” runs Sept 6th-11th at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre. Tickets are available online at STGPresents.org; Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000; or in person at The Paramount Theatre Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm).
What do you find most exciting about this role?
Well, it is really a thrill to get to play this role. It is really one of the best roles in the musical theater canon, in my opinion. It is really an honor to get play this roll every night and bring this story across North America. What really excites me about this production is that I think people are going to really see the show in a new light. I think people really think they know this show. I think that this production really puts this show in a brand-new light.
What first attracted you to this role?
It is such an iconic role. It is a thrill just to be able to sing the music every night. I started to realize there is a lot to this show. It really hit me once we sat down for rehearsals. There is a love story. There is this theme of self-discovery. Maria is learning about herself. The Captain is really realizing who he needs to be for his family. There is a lot of politics in the show as well. It is about finding out what is worth fighting for.
I always think of him as an older gentleman or at least quite a bit older than you. What do you think?
Yes, I think he is an older gentleman than I am, as well. But, for some reason, I am allowed to do it (laughter). I think they will gray me up a little bit. I have been told that I somehow pull it off.
Is there a part in the current production that has really changed your mind about the whole show?
There are a couple of songs with the Max and Elsa characters that are not in the movie. I think those are the ones that will really highlight the political side of the story. I think they really emphasize what the captain has to figure out as a moral person. Those scenes really changed some of my views about it. There is also this moment in the concert scene when the family is all out there and they have to sing. They are singing in front of five Nazi banners. It takes your breath away. It really makes you think about what these people are up against in 1938 Austria.
That all seems pretty powerful. Do you have a favorite part in the show?
I really like the moment that the Captain hears the children singing for the first time. He ends up joining in and singing with them. It is also a really powerful moment. I come from a musical family as well, so it is pretty powerful for me in particular. I have always had music in my family. The thought of this man cutting music out of his life because it reminds him of his dead wife just comes across as powerful and emotional. I hope I really do it justice because it is a really great moment in every show.
Who were your musical influences growing up?
My mom and dad first and foremost. My mom used to sing “My Favorite Things” to me. I guess I am tied to this musical from a very early age. My mom and dad met when my mom auditioned for my dad’s band. So, music was always a part of our life growing up.
So, you have this amazing role and are learning all of these new intrigues about the show, has that changed your perspective about your dream role?
I guess I am sort of realizing that without knowing it, this is my dream role. I always thought that Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls” was my dream role. He is just so cool and I really like the music in that show. I can’t think of anything I would rather be doing than this role now. I can’t think of any story I would rather be telling. I just realized that right now. Thank you!
How many times have you seen “The Sound of Music” film?
(Laughter) Oh a bunch of times as a kid. I think it was because I was a kid watching it, but I never really knew what it was all about. To me it was a fun movie with kids and singing. I just never really knew what it was all about until I got into rehearsals with this creative team. It put a whole new light on it for me.
In closing, what would you tell a new person to get them to come to the show?
This production of “The Sound of Music” is one that obviously all of the music that everyone knows and loves. I guarantee that with our production you will come away with new information and insights that you didn’t know where there. It is definitely a show for everyone in the family. There is something for everyone.
“The Sound of Music” runs Sept 6th-11th at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre. Tickets are available online at STGPresents.org; Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000; or in person at The Paramount Theatre Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm).
