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Wednesday, Apr. 6, 2005 | ||
What do you think of this story? | Peachtree City Resident Heads Stellar Cast of The Sound of MusicPeachtree City resident Alison Chambers heads a stellar cast of The Henry Players upcoming production of The Sound of Music. The show is currently in rehearsals for an April 7-10 run at the Henry County Performing Arts Center. Based on the remarkable true story of the Von Trapp family, The Sound of Music has touched the hearts of audiences around the world. When Maria proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as a governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. The Captain runs his home near Salzburg like the ship he once commanded, but that all changes when Maria arrives from the convent. Her natural warmth and kindness win over the incorrigible children and ultimately the Captain as well. However, their happiness is shattered when the Nazis invade Austria forcing the entire family to flee their homeland. Follow Marias extraordinary journey as she falls in love with the children and gradually captures the heart of the Captain in an uncertain world on the verge of World War II. Mary Martin, who originated the role of Maria, said, It seems improbable that there is any living soul who doesnt know the story of The Sound of Music. The original production of The Sound of Music opened at Broadways Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 16, 1959 and ran for 1,443 performances. The success of the Broadway musical inspired the movie adaptation of the same name, which scooped the 1965 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and stands as the most successful movie musical of all time. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 1959, the stage production includes the timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein songs, The Sound of Music, My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Every Mountain, Edelweiss, and Something Good. Chambers will portray the free-spirited Maria who brings music back into the von Trapp house, falls in love with the Captain, and ultimately has to decide how she is meant to serve God. This is Alisons first role with the Henry Players, said director Mary Ellen Lundy. We are most fortunate indeed to have Alison as a part of our cast. Her lyrical voice and acting experience promise to bring a fresh and vibrant performance to the part of Maria. Barry Draper will play Captain Von Trapp. He is no stranger to the Henry Players stage having most recently performed in last years critically acclaimed Civil War. Barry has the kind of voice and style that has always brought rave reviews from our audiences, added Lundy. This show brought out some of the best talent that the Players stage has ever showcased. We had 154 people audition for the 30 roles. Over 80 children vied for the parts of the seven Von Trapp children, Lundy stated. The children will be portrayed by Lauren Young as Liesl, John Jenkins as Friedrich, Callie Small as Louisa, Sam Iddings as Kurt, Brooke Floyd as Brigitta, Leah Slaughter as Marta and Lauren Fennell as little Gretl. This promises to be one of the best shows that the Henry Players have ever produced. In keeping with our community minded mission, it is a show that will appeal to all ages. The talent assembled is sure to bring the house down. We have an opening number that is really going to set the mood for the entire show and will have our audiences enthralled, but we wont reveal that. Folks will just have to come see it to find out, Lundy said. The Henry Players production of The Sound of Music is the week of April 7-10 at the Henry County Performing Arts Center. Tickets may be purchased in advance at a number of ticket outlets in Henry County or online. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For tickets or more information, visit www.henryplayers.com or call (770) 914-1474. | |
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