Ottawa, ON, December 4, 2013 – With the popularity of the National Arts Centre English Theatre’s Holiday production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music exceeding all expectations, we are proud to announce that as of opening week, the musical classic has sold the most tickets in the 44-year history of NAC English Theatre, with ticket purchases of over 20,000 and counting, well-exceeding the previous record holder, Oliver!, from 2011!

On the heels of this amazing news, and to celebrate the artists and audiences who have made The Sound of Music such a roaring success, the NAC English Theatre is adding three performances, including a special benefit matinee performance with net proceeds to go to the Actors’ Fund of Canada, PAL (Performing Arts Lodge) Ottawa, and the Ottawa Food Bank as part of the NAC’s Share the Spirit program.

Added performances are:
Tuesday, December 31 at 2 pm
Thursday, January 2 at 2 pm – Benefit performance
Thursday, January 2 at 7:30 pm

Tickets for the benefit and added performances are on sale now!

With a nod to the golden age of musical theatre, this special live production, sponsored by Trinity Development Group, is brimming with some of the most memorable and well-loved songs of all time including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi" and "So Long, Farewell." Perfect for all ages, The Sound of Music is sure to be one of your favourite things this holiday season.

The Sound of Music plays thru Saturday, January 4 in the NAC Theatre. 

The Actors' Fund of Canada is a registered charity that provides emergency  financial aid to entertainment industry professionals working in theatre, film, TV, music and dance. The Actors' Fund is not just for actors: performers, creators, technical staff and other production team members in crisis can apply for help from the Fund which has delivered over $450,000 in rent and mortgage payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses to clients in the last year. The Fund has helped over 11,000 entertainment industry members since it was founded in 1958. Visit www.actorsfund.ca to learn more.

The Ottawa Food Bank is the Ottawa Region’s central emergency food assistance organization. Through its 140 member agencies, the Ottawa Food Bank helped 48,000 individuals last month – 37 per cent of whom were children. On average, 12 to 14 tons of food is shipped from its Michael Street warehouse every working day. For additional information, visit http://www.ottawafoodbank.ca.

PAL Ottawa, founded in November 2012, is a non-profit, charitable organization affiliated with Performing Arts Lodges (PAL) Canada. Its goal is to provide comfort, care and affordable housing for senior and disabled artists in the performing and allied arts, thus helping to ensure the maintenance and growth of a vibrant arts community for the National Capital Region. These visual and performing artists, writers, designers, and others who form our creative community have enriched us with their work, making Ottawa a lively and engaging city.  And yet, many of them survive on low income and face an insecure future. Now it is time for the community to give back to them, ensuring they receive the assistance and fellowship they need to live free of isolation, want and fear. PAL Canada, the national, charitable organization founded in September 1986, has led the way in planning for affordable housing for artists and in instituting a volunteer colleague assistance program called Supporting Cast. It links eight different chapters around the country: Halifax, Toronto, Stratford, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and now Ottawa.

Share the Spirit

With the support of community partners, the National Arts Centre’s Share the Spirit program, presented by Sun Life Financial, brings the magic of live performance to deserving children and families in the Ottawa area. The program helps families who, for economic or health reasons, may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy live performances at the National Arts Centre during the holiday season and throughout the year. The NAC is thrilled to include this special matinee performance of The Sound of Music under the Share the Spirit umbrella.

The Sound of Music
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
Suggested by "The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

Performance Schedule:       
December 3 – 21:
Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.
Holiday schedule:
December 23, 26, 27, 28, January 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m.
December 24, 26, 29, 31 and January 2 and 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets:

Tickets start at $30 and are available:

• Online on the NAC’s website: www.nac-cna.ca
• In person at the NAC Box Office
• At all Ticketmaster outlets*
• By telephone 1-888-991-2787
  *A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster.

Groups of 10 or more contact grp@nac-cna.ca or visit http://www.nac-cna.ca

The Sound of Music is part of the NAC’s Share the Spirit program which is presented by Sun Life Financial  – Giving the gift of live performance to deserving children and their families. Visit nac-cna.ca/share.
 

Embassy Hotel & Suites is the Official Hotel Partner for the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

Ottawa Citizen is proud to be Media Partner for the Theatre Series.

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For information, please call:
Sean Fitzpatrick, Communications Officer, National Arts Centre English Theatre
613-947-7000 ext. 389; e-mail: sean.fitzpatrick@nac-cna.ca
or visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca