You are going to be joining a cast that for the most part, have been working together since the show's opening over a year and a half ago. Do you forsee any specific challenges in regards to coming in right near the end?
Well it is certainly something I have never done before and a very new experience. But all indications are that I will have a great time. I have been hearing what a strong and lovely company it is and that all the backstage people are very welcoming as well. By the same token, these guys are coming to the end of a run and when you come to the end of a contract it is an emotional time and a very special time, so I hope to just quietly slip in and blow my whistle a lot! *laughs*
It actually is a great role, I have even had castmates in La Cage joking about wanting to be Von Trapp children. I found when I was playing the Captain in the West End, it was important to remember that he isn't just this authoritative character, there really is a lot more to him.
What kind of rehearsal time are you getting with this cast before you have your first show?
Not much at all! A couple of days, tops. But, I did over 400 performances of it in London so I am hoping a lot of it will be muscle memory, and with such a great cast, I should be able to just slip right in.
Joining The Sound of Music means you will be in Toronto over the Christmas holidays, do you have any plans or any things you are hoping to experience?
Right now it has been such a whirlwind, my goal is just to get to the theatre and meet my cast and get involved with The Sound of Music and get it rolling. Then I will start worrying about what to do on Christmas. It is actually the last thing on my mind at the moment because I have to get to Canada and get back in the role!
We have been collecting tidbits of advice for aspiring musical theatre actors, mostly from a Canadian perspective, could you give us your take on things? As someone who has had a very esteemed and lengthy career on the world stage, if you could only give one piece of advIce To someone who wants to become involved in musical theatre, what would it be?
Well, I got involved with theatre relatively late in my career, I was in TV and film first. But one thing I have learned is that there isn't too much of a difference between the mediums. The most important thing is that you have to approach your roles from the truth, that is the way to really get your anchor. Always go for the truth and that will help. If you are truthful you can be funny, if you are truthful you can break hearts, if you are truthful you can sing that top note effortlessly. The more I do, the more I realize how important being truthful really is.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Actually, I released my first solo album about three months ago, entitled Something About Always, and on it, I sing Edelweiss (from The Sound of Music). I am very proud of it, and it is actually going to be sold in the lobby at The Princess of Wales Theatre for the end of the run, so I hope people will check it out!
Mr. Burke will begin performances in Toronto on December 8th, 2009 and will play the role for the final four weeks of the production. The Sound of Music ends its record-breaking run at The Princess of Wales Theatre on January 3rd, 2010.
When and Where?
The Sound of Music - FINAL EXTENSION (Tickets on Sale Until January 3rd, 2010)
The Princess of Wales Theatre - 300 King St West, Toronto, ON
Performances: Tue at 7:00PM, Wed-Sat at 7:30PM, Wed, Sat and Sun at 1:30PM
Tickets range from $26 to $110 with a special number of student rush tickets available two hours prior to the show which can be purchased in person at the box office. To purchase, please call 416.872.1212 or 1.800.461.3333, go online at www.mirvish.com or in person at the box office.
For additional information visit http://www.soundofmusictoronto.ca/
