Josh Houghton plays a Nazi named Herr Zeller in Paramount Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music,” Nov. 18-Jan. 15. (Paramount Theatre) – Original Credit: Handout (Paramount Theater / HANDOUT)
Evanston resident Josh Houghton is the bearer of bad news for the Von Trapp family in Paramount Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music.”
His character, Herr Zeller, “brings the outside world into their joyful home full of music and laughter,” Houghton said. “All of a sudden there’s a Nazi in their house saying that their father has to go away to war and join the Nazi party.”
“It’s not a fun role,” admitted Houghton of his part in the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic musical that runs from Nov. 18 through Jan. 15 at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Downtown Aurora. Previews begin Nov. 9.
Nevertheless, the actor is enjoying being part of the large cast.
Josh Houghton of Evanston, the tallest guy in the back row, is in the huge cast of Paramount Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music,” Nov. 18-Jan. 15. (Thomas J. King) – Original Credit: Handout (Thomas J. King / HANDOUT)
“The experience of rehearsing with all the children — that’s been wonderful,” he said. “The kids are incredible. Alicia (Kaori) who plays Maria is phenomenal. Christopher (Kale Jones), who plays the Captain, is just a joy to work with. Amber (Mak), our director, is leading a joyful rehearsal room.”
This is Houghton’s second time playing Herr Zeller. “I don’t know what that says about me,” he laughingly declared.
The last time he took that role was in the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Illinois. The Paramount Theatre production’s director/choreographer Mak was the choreographer for that earlier production.
“I guess she liked what I did eight years ago,” Houghton said.
The fact that Herr Zeller is a neighbor to the Von Trapps makes the role relevant today, according to Houghton, who said, “We don’t always know or agree with the people that live right down the street from us.”
Houghton, who grew up in Oregon, moved to Chicago in 2018 and Evanston a year later.
“I grew up doing ballet so I did ‘The Nutcracker’ every winter,” Houghton said. He first performed in a play when he was in seventh grade. When he was a senior in high school, he decided to pursue a theater career.
Houghton earned a degree in theater from The New School in New York City.
The actor has traveled extensively with his career, including doing a national tour of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
“That’s kind of the beauty of being a stage actor” he explained. “There’s a lot of regional theater work. In addition to the places where I’ve had a mailing address and been a resident, I’ve also lived for two to three months doing shows in Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Denver, Philadelphia. It’s been a great way to get to see this country and get to try out different places to live.”
Houghton looks too young to have lived in so many places. He playfully explains his youthful look saying, “I use moisturizer and I drink a lot of water.”
One of Houghton’s favorite parts was his first Chicago role as Mitzi/Tick in Mercury Theater Chicago’s production of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” this summer.
He also particularly enjoyed playing Buddy the Elf in “Elf the Musical” three times.
This production of “The Sound of Music” also has Houghton excited.
“We have a 17-piece orchestra which is just fabulous. These musicians are incredible,” he said. “We have three casts of kids and they are bright. What’s more exciting than seeing a kid live out their dream.”
For more information about “The Sound of Music,” call (630) 896-6666 or visit paramountaurora.com/events/the-sound-of-music.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.