MNfusion: Local Actor Tod Petersen Talks Ordway's 'The Sound Of Music'

For the 2015 holiday show, The Ordway chose the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, "The Sound of Music."

While it may not be set during the holiday season, the show shares the core message of nearly every other Christmas story – love, courage, family and, of course, song.

Local actor Tod Petersen, who plays the von Trapp family butler Franz, took some time to speak with me about the classic love story.

You've worked at a number of local theaters, what is it like to now perform on the Ordway stage?

Petersen: Daunting, thrilling, challenging. With its large stage and huge house, it's a challenge as an actor to be sure you're reaching every corner of this grand space with your voice, character and actor juju. It takes a lot of energy, focus and technique. I've played a lot of the smaller, intimate, sometimes even grungy, theaters in town, so this is a really fun experience. The Ordway is so beautiful, fancy and well-furnished. I love it.

In this run of "The Sound Of Music" you play the von Trapp family butler Franz. Tell me, what is the best part of playing Franz?

Petersen: I get to share the stage with the wonderful Wendy Lehr who plays the housekeeper, Frau Schmidt. I respect and admire her so much, and I learn from her every night. I just love her. What a gift to Twin Cities theater [she is.] I also get to share scenes with my dear friends and respected colleagues Dieter Bierbrauer and James Detmar, and my new friend Billie Wildrick, too. She's so easy to fall in love with onstage and off. And then there's the naughty Kersten Rodau; such a lovely, funny, silly, good-hearted woman.

It sounds like the cast has formed a wonderful bond in creating this show. You've listed the good things, now tell me some of the challenges in playing Franz.

Petersen: Remembering whether I'm supposed to leave the ding-dang doors open or closed when I exit. Oy. Butler problems.

I can see how that would be challenging to remember! There are a lot of scenes with doors. So, if you weren't playing Franz what other character would you like to play?

Petersen: Max! This is the second time I've understudied the role and one of these days I'm going to book the frigging gig! Luckily, Detmar is fantastic in the role or else I would be just miserable watching him from the wings, all jealous and vengeful. If he was stinking up the joint as Max I would be sneezing in his face or banana peeling his dressing room, prancing in his costumes when he wasn't around. All About Franz.

Well it's a good thing you enjoy his performance so much! After rehearsing and performing this show so many times, what is your favorite scene or song in the show?

Petersen: The wedding. With our amazing choir of nuns singing their wimples off, [it]gets me every time.

That is a beautiful moment in the show. Aside from your favorite part, what is something audiences would be surprised to learn about this production?

Petersen: I'm actually surprised at how many people it takes to put the show on every night. Along with the 34 actors on-stage, there are 22 musicians in the pit, 10 wardrobe, make-up and hair folks backstage, 15 guys on the set, props and fly crews and four stage managers. That's approximately 75 people. Not to mention the house managers, ushers, box-office, concessions, security and administrative staffs. The Ordway is quite an operation and I think it shows in the production. It is so professional and has such a high standard of excellence. I am very proud to be a part of this show and this theater!

Wow! That is a lot of people! I would have never guessed looking from the outside in. So, "The Sound Of Music" is The Ordway's holiday production this year. Why do you think this is a good show for the holiday season?

Petersen: The movie version, with the beloved Julie Andrews, the sexy Christopher Plummer, the adorable kids and the iconic Austrian landscape and architecture, became a holiday tradition in my childhood when it was presented just once a year on television. That was before technology made it available at the click of button. "The Sound of Music" was a special holiday event and I think it remains one today.

Why do you think "The Sound of Music" has remained popular with audiences for so many years?

Petersen: It's a story about family, home, redemption, faith, courage and love; all central themes of the human experience. It [also has] unforgettable music that sings in our collective consciousness: "My Favorite Things," "Climb Every Mountain," "Do-Re-Mi" and "Edelweiss."

As it is such an iconic show, how is this cast making the "The Sound of Music" its own?

Petersen: Our smart and talented director, Gary Briggle, made the strong choice to present a classic version of "The Sound of Music." He made very few cuts from the script and score. Ours is a grounded, emotional telling of a very serious time in history with very little schmaltz, goo and unnecessary jokiness. There is also a focus on the beauty and richness of the sweeping musical score as played by our incredible 21-piece orchestra under the direction of the crazy-good Raymond Berg. I guess that doesn't answer the question of how the CAST is making "The Sound of Music" its own. We are making it our own by respecting our directors' vision and having a blast as a cast in the process.

"The Sound Of Music" is open now through Jan. 2, 2016. Tickets cost $34 to $126. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit The Ordway online.