Verity Rushworth to play Maria in The Sound of Music

Aug 18 2011 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

FORMER Emmerdale actress Verity Rushworth is to play Maria in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lavish production of The Sound of Music at the Palace Theatre in Manchester from September 6-17.

Best known to television viewers as Donna Windsor in the ITV1 soap, her West End theatre credits include the lead role of Penny Pingleton in Hairspray.

Rushworth replaces Connie Fisher, who was forced to pull out due to a throat condition.

The latest production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical opened to rave reviews and sell-out business at the Wales Millennium Centre in July 2009 following a record-breaking 954 performances at the London Palladium where it was seen by more than two million people.

The Sound of Music was originally premiered on Broadway in 1959, when it won six Tony Awards, including best musical.

The show first opened in London in 1961 and its last London revival was in 1981, both productions having record-breaking runs.

The 1965 Hollywood film, which starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, won five Oscars including Best Picture.

For booking information, ring the box office on 0844 847 2275 or visit www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk