The musical ‘Sonrisas y lágrimas’ is set to enchant audiences at Teatro Villamarta this weekend, running from 6 to 8 November. This new production of the beloved film classic, adapted, directed, and starring Silvia Villaú, promises to dazzle not only with its heartfelt narrative and the timeless music of Rodgers & Hammerstein but also with a stunning set design that immerses viewers in 1930s Austria.
The story follows Maria Rainer, a spirited young novice sent to be the governess for Captain Von Trapp's seven children. Her joyful and spontaneous nature gradually transforms a family bound by strict discipline, all against the backdrop of a Europe on the brink of turmoil. Producer Tomás Padilla noted, “It’s not a comedic work, but the audience cannot stop laughing,” highlighting the lively touches added to make the performance more enjoyable.
The grand set design takes the audience from the convent where Maria resides to the Von Trapp household, with the majestic Alps as a backdrop. The musical features iconic songs such as ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘My Favourite Things’, ‘Edelweiss’, ‘Climb Every Mountain’, and the titular ‘The Sound of Music’ in its original version.
This adaptation by Theatre Properties, a leading producer of large-scale musicals in Spain, showcases a talented cast, including director and lead actress Silvia Villaú as Maria Rainer and Carlos J. Benito as Captain Georg Von Trapp. Their previous collaborations on stage bring a unique chemistry to this production.
First premiered on Broadway in 1959 before its film adaptation, ‘Sonrisas y lágrimas’ last graced Spanish stages in 2013. The current iteration has been designed for touring, allowing it to fit various performance spaces. Since its debut in Coslada in January, it has been showcased in Madrid and other major cities across the country.
