A golden opportunity for families to gather for a fun musical event is approaching at Chicago Street Theatre.
The Sound of Music, a classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein II and based on the book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, will be on stage for 16 performances beginning Nov. 23.
With familiar songs like “So Long, Farewell,” “Do, Re, Mi,”, “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “My Favorite Things,” this play is perfect for children and adults of all ages.
The Sound of Music is a charming love story that follows the lives of the Von Trapp family as they experience the upheaval of their country at the beginning of World War II. Maria (Christine Marilyn Parry) is a postulant who proves too high-spirited for the religious life, and she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain (Richard Castleton). 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.
“Audiences can expect a family favorite wrapped up in a different kind of package. The play is different from the movie in many ways, but the message is really the same. We hope the audience appreciates the new twists on an old favorite,” says Co-Director Kristen Bruss, who is sharing leadership duties with Craig Golbesky.
Bruss and Golbesky have acted and directed in theatres all over Northwest Indiana. Most recently, Golbesky directed A Little Night Music, and Bruss directed Urinetown, both at Portage Community Theatre. On stage, they played opposite each other as Lucky and Joan in Dames at Sea.
More than 100 children auditioned for seven roles in the play. Choosing the cast was “our biggest challenge”, Bruss says.
“This is one of the larger casts we have worked with, but it has been an absolute pleasure,” Golbesky says. “Christine Parry as Maria is so much like her part, quickly becoming the mother hen over the children. Rich Castleton, as the Captain, is also wonderful, and the children adore both of them.”
The cast:
- Maria – Christine Marilyn Parry, Crown Point
- Captain Von Trapp – Richard Castleton, Valparaiso
- Mother Abbess – LuAnne Pezel, Portage
- Liesl – Jessica Rodriguez, Valparaiso
- Friedrich – Daniel Barajas, Valparaiso
- Louisa – Maddie Blaney, Valparaiso
- Kurt – Jack Schwartz, Valparaiso
- Brigitta – Ruthann Marfoe, Valparaiso
- Marta – Isabel Blaney, Valparaiso
- Gretl – Maddi Ames, Westville
- Rolf – Andrew Flasch, Valparaiso
- Elsa – Dana Samardzich, Valparaiso
- Max – Matt Stinnett, Lowell
- Sister Berthe/Frau Schmidt – Andrea Bertsch, Valparaiso
- Sister Margaretta – Caroline Rau Geldernick, Valparaiso
- Sister Sophia – Daena Sisk, Valparaiso
- Franz – Rande Dawson, Valparaiso
- Baroness Elberfeld/Nun Chorus – Allison Michna, Chesterton
- Nun Chorus – Heather Ames, Westville, and Joy Hathaway, Kouts
The 58th season at CST is generously sponsored by Urschel Laboratories, UFS Corporation, Target, South Shore Arts, Lakeside Wealth Management, John W. Anderson Foundation, and the Indiana Arts Commission.
The Sound of Music Performance Schedule
Nov. 23 – Dec. 16, 2012
- Friday, Nov. 23 @ 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 24 @7 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 25 @ 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 29 @ 7 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 30 @ 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 1 @ 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 2 @ 2:30 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 7 @ 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 8 @ 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 9 @ 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 13 @ 7 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 14 @ 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 15 @ 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 16 @ 2:30 p.m.
Tickets
Adult $18
Seniors (62+) $15
Students (21 and younger) $15
Veterans $15
Reservations can be made by calling the Chicago Street Theatre box office at (219) 464-1636, Ext. 1, Monday - Friday, between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or you may leave a message anytime, and someone will return your call. You also may contact us via e-mail at boxoffice@chicagostreet.org or you may visit the website at www.chicagostreet.org.