Q&A with Edward Coffield

The Rep’s Production Manager and Sing-A-Long Sound of Music Host at the St. Louis Symphony

Edward Coffield as Liberace Von Trap in 2001

People all over St. Louis are itching to know - how did you get involved with the Sing-A-Long Sound of Music (SASOM)? Believe it or not I was originally brought into the process to hire the person who would host the Sing-A-Long. After searching for a while and not finding what they were looking for, the producers asked me if I would be interested in doing the show in St. Louis. They said, “What we’re really looking for is someone like you, someone funny - would you do it?” How could I resist?!

How many times have you hosted the Sing-A-Long and at what locations? Honestly, so many times I have lost count! This isn’t really a “consistent” gig, but I do it whenever I can. I would guess that I have appeared as Liberace Von Trap 40 times in a handful of cities – Memphis, Houston, Austin, Columbia – this will be my fifth time in St. Louis. The last time I appeared in the SASOM was a sold out performance at The Hollywood Bowl.

How did you get the gig for the Symphony this year? I was referred to the Symphony by Mike Issacson who hired me originally. It’s been a few years since I’ve done SASOM so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to whip out the old lederhosen and sing-a-long with the people of St. Louis to one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

What’s your favorite part about hosting? I love to make people laugh. The whole evening is about entertainment and enjoyment and I really savor being a part of that. I have so many good memories - plus, I’ve seen people in some of the most outrageous costumes to have ever appeared on stage - it’s so engaging!

What do you think makes The Sound of Music so magical and exciting? People of a certain age have a very significant attachment to the movie. The affection people have for both the musical and the movie is fun and overwhelming – in a good way!

What can the audience look forward to? It is a really fun event - the movie is always a wonder. All of the lyrics to each song are shown on a large screen, people dress up (the costumes are over the top!) and you receive a little bag of props, such as an invitation to the ball, a champagne popper, etc to use during the movie. One of the best things about this Sing-A-Long is that it’s truly a great family event – it’s a really fun evening out that you’ll always remember.

Will you be wearing your lederhosen on Friday? All I will say is that St. Louis will be alive with The Sound of Music. Guess you’ll have to come and find out!

For more information on this event and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.stlsymphony.org/.

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