At a recent performance of “The Sound of Music,” Tess Primack nearly burst into song as Marta Von Trapp during the party scene. Why would that be such a problem? Primack doesn’t play Marta, at least not in this production.
“Marta was the role I played when I was eight,” Primack said with a laugh. “And there was one performance we were doing where I almost started singing her line… It was just the body memory of playing that role.”
Primack played Marta as an elementary school kid at the now-defunct Turtle Lane Playhouse in Newton. This time around, she’s on slightly bigger stages as Sister Margaretta in the touring production of “The Sound of Music” — which runs Jan. 6 to 18 at the Citizens Opera House.
The local grew up in the theater, at Turtle Lane and theater camp productions in and around Boston. This is actually the third time she’s been in “The Sound of Music” — she played lead Maria at one camp.
“They have all been such sweet experiences for me and it’s been tremendously special to revisit this show so many years later,” she told the Herald.
This is Primack’s first touring show, but she’s established an impressive resume on and away from Broadway. She originated the role of Mother in the world premiere of the comedic musical “The Enlightenment of Percival Von Schmootz,” has performed in productions in Europe, and made her Broadway debut in the revival of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“I really love working on new material with new writers, but so much of my career has been doing revivals,” she said. “Having a wide range of work has been amazing because I like to do it all.”
As she’s moved through her career, she’s gained a greater appreciation for the expansive reach of “The Sound of Music.” Thanks to Broadway, the big screen, and revivals, it cuts across generations like few musicals. It’s cute, fun, and joyous. And it’s also about fleeing the Nazis. The musical occupies a unique place in culture.
“That’s why I think it works,” Primack said. “At any age, someone can enjoy this show. The themes are incredibly important and poignant, and yet the story is timeless.”
She’s enjoyed exploring these themes with the children on tour. As Primack knows, “The Sound of Music” depends deeply on the talents of seven young actors.
“To watch them learn about history, and the history of the show, has been amazing,” she said. “The way that Jack O’Brien directed this, he wanted it to be very historically accurate and that is what is so exciting about the show. We discussed in detail this history and where the story comes from.”
It’s a history Primack now has a lot of familiarity with, from Marta to Maria, Boston to a blockbuster national tour.
