Jill-Christine Wiley
As The Sound of Music prepares to make its grand return to Utica this September, Broadway Utica is already setting the stage for magic. In celebration of the national tour kickoff and the beloved role of Maria, we’re thrilled to welcome Jill-Christine Wiley—best known for her portrayal of Maria—to the Mohawk Valley. Jill shares,
Q: For those who may not be familiar with the story, how would you describe The Sound of Music in your own words?
“I think it’s truly a timeless piece of musical theater from when it first originated on Broadway when how Rodgers and Hammerstein intended it to its interpretations throughout the years whether that’s been on a regional stage, a touring venue, Broadway revivals, televised TV opportunities that they bring. I think it’s just a show that not only is an aspect of history and a political aspect, but it really sings home to family, fighting for what’s right, what do you stand for, and finding your way in this world and how sometimes we think we’re headed down one path and then life leads you towards another and making the most of it. It has beautiful timeless messages that is for everyone—whether they’re the young or the young at heart—it’s really captivating.”
Q: How does the stage version differ from the film?
“There are additional songs that are in the original production that were cut from the movie—songs in different orders. For instance, ‘My Favorite Things’ is sung between Maria and the Mother Abbess very early on in the show. We see a side of the Mother Abbess that was not really portrayed in the movie. We see the bond between these two women, incredible harmonies, updated orchestrations by the music supervisor Andy Einhorn, and direction by Jack O’Brien that really creates a human experience. They’ve gone back to the original Broadway production and have breathed a sense of new life into it and created something unique to all its own.”
Q: Do you have a favorite scene?
“‘My Favorite Things’ with the Mother Abbess—that really gets the tingle-in-the-toes feeling for me based on a lot of the musical harmonies. Maria has a really poignant line of ‘I now know how to spend my love,’ and I think that is an incredible message in the show.”
Q: What do you love about live performance?
“I’ve always said that there is no better master class in acting than watching a child light up on stage. It really teaches you to live in the moment and meet them where they are.”
As excitement builds for the upcoming tour, we couldn’t help but hum along to a familiar tune—so we asked one of our own to share her favorite things.
Mohawk Valley Living contributing editor Joanne Donaruma Wade—a proud Broadway Utica season subscriber and lover of all things stylish—offers her own take on Maria’s timeless melody.
Joanne’s Favorite Things
– Eating at Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
– Always wearing a dress, lipstick, and spike heels
– Walking her beautiful puppy Luna
– Sitting in the sun by her pool
– Serving on nonprofit boards that inspire her
– Listening to the ocean while in Florida
– Entertaining her 10 siblings at home
– Enjoying a “girls” night out
– Being a mom to her adult children
– Donating to worthy causes
– Reading Danielle Steel novels
– Going to Broadway Theatre League shows at The Stanley
