THE SOUND OF MUSIC Opens at Tri-Arts Sharon Playhouse, 8/9

The Litchfield hills are alive as TriArts Sharon Playhouse continues its 2012 season with the heartwarming family classic, The Sound of Music. Directed and choreographed by Gary John La Rosa, with music direction by Artistic Director Michael Berkeley, The Sound of Music opens August 9 and runs through August 26, 2012. Tickets ($16-$47) are available by calling 860.364.SHOW (7469) or at www.triarts.net.

TriArts Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Executive Director Alice Bemand is proud to present this family friendly classic, last seen on the TriArts stage in 1993. Making his TriArts debut is Gary John La Rosa as director and choreographer, who recently did the same duties for Barrington Stage’s critically-acclaimed production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Based on Maria von Trapp’s inspiring novel, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” The Sound of Music features an unforgettable score by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The story revolves around Maria; a free-spirited, aspiring nun assigned to serve as a governess who restores harmony to the von Trapp family before the Nazi Anschluss forces them to flee their beloved homeland.

The unforgettable score, brought to life by an 11-piece orchestra, features some of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs including “The Sound of Music,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and “Climb Every Mountain.” TriArts’ production also features two songs written by Richard Rodgers for the film version, “I Have Confidence” and “Something Good.”

The cast for TriArts The Sound of Music includes Caitlin McGinty (Maria), Michael Sharon (Capt. Von Trapp), Jacqueline Jordan (Mother Abbess), Travis Mitchell (Max Detweiler), Molly Parker-Myers (Elsa Schraeder), Rose Bisogno (Liesl), Connor Riley (Friedrich), Eleanor Clulow (Louisa), Peter Kiewra (Kurt), Caleigh Burchfield (Brigitta), Skyler Fountain (Marta), Lorelei Gnerre (Gretl), Audrey Heffernan Meyer (Sister Berthe), Clare Solly (Sr. Margaretta), Stephen Beard (Rolf), Kelly Strandemo (Sister Sophia), Eve Van Syckle (Frau Schmidt), Peter Turner (Franz), the ensemble includes David Adams, Louise Brown, Malcolm Brown, Chris Burchfield, Dave Cadwell, Francine Ciccarelli, Ryan Curley, Cara Frisina, Owen Hayden, Chad Henke, Gabrielle Hondorp, Becky Sawicki, Jamie Weisberg, Joanie Yahn, and Dean Temple.

The production team of The Sound of Music includes Erik D. Diaz (Set Designer), Anna Hillberry (Costume Designer), Chris Dallos (Lights), and Jay Stirone (Sound). Michael Ianelli is production stage manager.

The final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. The Sound of Music opened on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 16, 1959. Starring Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel, with direction by Vincent Donohue and choreography by Joe Layton, The Sound of Music ran in New York for a total of 1,433 performances, and won 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical (it tied with Fiorello!). Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer starred in the universally acclaimed 1965 Academy Award-winning film version. Hallmark produced a 1998 Broadway revival that starred Rebecca Luker and Michael Seberry, who were succeeded by Laura Benanti and Richard Chamberlain. Since its Broadway debut in 1959 the score for: The Sound of Music has captivated theater and movie-goers all over the world, and its timeless story line—the joys of love and family threatened by impending war—continues to resonate with audiences, especially today as we experience a world in conflict.

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (Music and Lyrics). After long and distinguished careers with other collaborators, Richard Rodgers (composer, 1902-1979) and Oscar Hammerstein II (librettist/lyricist, 1895-1960) joined forces in 1943 to create the most successful partnership in the American musical theatre. Oklahoma!, the first Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, was also the first of a new genre, the musical play, blending Rodgers’ sophisticated style of musical comedy with Hammerstein’s innovations in operetta. Oklahoma! was followed by Carousel, Allegro, South Pacific, The King and I, Me and Juliet, Pipe Dream, Flower Drum Song, and The Sound of Music. Rodgers & Hammerstein wrote one musical specifically for the big screen, State Fair, and one for television, Cinderella. Collectively, the Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals earned 34 Tony Awards, 14 Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes, two Grammy Awards, and two Emmy Awards. For more on the wonderful world of Rodgers & Hammerstein log on to their state-of-the-art website: www.rnh.com.

Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse (Book). The partnership of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse stands as one of the longest collaboration of any writers in theatrical history, lasting for more than 28 years. In addition to The Sound of Music, their hit shows include Anything Goes; the long-run record holder Life With Father, the Pulitzer Prize-winning The State of the Union, Red Hot and Blue, Hooray for What, Life with Mother, Call Me Madam and Mr. President.

TriArts Sharon Playhouse is located at 49 Amenia Road in Sharon, CT. Performance dates and times for The Sound of Music are Thursday, August 9 at 7pm; Friday, August 10 at 8pm; Saturday, August 11 at 8pm; Sunday, August 12 at 5pm; Wednesday, August 15 at 2pm; Thursday, August 16 at 2pm and 7pm; Friday, August 17 at 8pm, Saturday, August 18 at 8pm; Sunday, August 19 at 5pm, Wednesday, August 22 at 2pm; Thursday, August 23 at 2pm and 7pm; Friday, August 24 at 8pm, Saturday, August 25 at 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, August 26 at 5pm. Tickets ($16-$47) for The Sound of Music are available for purchase online at www.triarts.net or by calling the box office at (860) 364-7469.

TriArts Sharon Playhouse (Alice Bemand, Executive Director; Michael Berkeley and John Simpkins, Artistic Directors) is a not-for-profit theatre, located in Litchfield County, Sharon, CT, at the foot of the Berkshires. In addition to producing mainstage musicals and many special events each summer season, TriArts also offers a summer youth theatre program, workshops and readings of new musicals, concerts, and special events throughout the year in its Bok Gallery. For more information on TriArts Sharon Playhouse, please visit www.triarts.net or call 860-364-SHOW (7469).