Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Book by Howard Lindsay & Russell Crouse
Stageworks – Leduc, AB
Cast Size: 34 (12M, 22F)

The thing that probably surprises people the most when they see the stage version of The Sound of Music is that the baroness sings! The second is that there are songs that are not in the movie, and even more shocking, songs from the movie that are not in the stage show!

This was my first paid gig as a director, and to say it is a big show is an understatement. Thankfully, I was able to blend the kids and teens from the local theatre school along with many of the adult actors that I’d worked with over the years to produce something that our audience was compelled to tell us that they enjoyed more than the professional productions in Edmonton. To me, there’s no greater compliment than when somebody actually takes the time to tell you how much they like your work. And I certainly wouldn’t have heard any compliments at all if it hadn’t been for some seriously talented kids, and a musical director who is a gift from the gods.

 

Synopsis:
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain’s immediate service in their navy. The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. The motion picture version remains the most popular movie musical of all time.

Scripts: Rodgers & Hammerstein