As Opera North gets ready to open the classic musical The Sound of Music in Leeds this July, singer Katie Bird is preparing to take on the role of novice nun Maria. The show is, of course, packed with one great tune after another, including the heartwarming celebration of simple joys: ‘My Favorite Things’.
As rehearsals start, we definitely weren’t going to let the opportunity pass without discovering more about Katie’s favourite things, including what she loves most about the role, the show and her job!
Favourite memory of The Sound of Music
I don’t think I have a single memory of watching The Sound of Music, because I’ve seen it so many times! What I do remember is that warm, fuzzy feeling it always gives me. It reminds me of being a child, sitting with my family and singing along to the songs, captivated by Julie Andrews’ vulnerability and voice.
Favourite song
Choosing a favourite song is tough. Without sounding disingenuous, there are too many epic pieces to choose from! The one I’ve sung most is ‘My Favorite Things’. I also love the duet, ‘Something Good’, which isn’t in the original stage show. I was disappointed about that, but the good news is that we’re including it in our production.
The song that moves me the most is, of course, the iconic ‘The Sound of Music’. I know the first time I sing it with the full Orchestra of Opera North, I’ll be overwhelmed. One of the orchestra’s viola players, who is Portuguese, learned English by watching the film on repeat, and we’ve both said we’re bound to be in tears when we get to perform this beautiful music together for the first time.
The Sound of Music at Leicester Curve. (L-R) Henry Godber (Freidrich), Pheobe Dalton (Gretl), Jagoda Drozdz (Brigitta), Gracie Nkala (Louisa), Corey Lister (Kurt) and Dalia Al Nagar (Marta). Photography by Marc Brenner.
Favourite scene
I honestly can’t choose yet. It all depends on the other actors and the moments we create on stage. In the film, I love the scene when the children all get into bed during the thunderstorm. In the stage version, it’s where they sing ‘The Lonely Goatherd’, which will be fun. Who doesn’t love a bit of yodelling!
Favourite part of being a singer
Working with a director, we often talk about ‘playing’ which basically means finding the characters and exploring relationships on stage. This, for me, is the best part of being a singer. Imagine, I get to dress up and ‘play’ for a living; how lucky is that? And, of course, singing with a full orchestra and being part of such a large team creating music together is an unparalleled joy.
Katie Bird (Eliza Doolittle) in My Fair Lady. Photography by Pamela Raith
Favourite thing about musicals
Ultimately, the best thing about musicals is the freedom within the music, which is something you don’t always find in opera. They allow you to experiment with sounds and rhythms, and to express the text in ways that feel alive and personal.
It’s that sense of liveliness, personality and fun that I hope audiences will take away from The Sound of Music. If that happens, it will feel like a job well done!
The Sound of Music plays at Leeds Grand Theatre from 9 July to 1 August.
