Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre is on to its final show of the season! This was a great way to end the season. I loved hearing all those classic and familiar melodies. The SSMT performance of “The Sound of Music” is set to open on July 25th and runs through August 4th, 2019. Normally, I would say go get tickets but the entire run is sold out!
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.
Joining the cast is Adrienne Eller as Maria, Iyona Blake as The Mother Abbess, Ily Jeanniton Sister Berthe, Megan Hasse as Sister Margaretta, Shaila Murdock as Sister Sophia and Christopher Sanders* as Captain Georg von Trapp.
We can’t forget about the Von Trap Family! Joining them are Reilly Lincavicks (Liesl), Gavin Sakai (Friedrich), Avery Nokes (Louisa), Joseph Powell (Kurt) Teah Draper (Brigitta), Alice Clark (Marta), and Caroline Aikens (Gretl).
Finishing out the cast is Erin Puskar (Frau Schmidt), Jack Mastrianni (Rolf Gruber), Sarah Summerwell (Elsa Schraeder), Jordan Stocksdale (Max Detweiler), Lincoln Belford (Herr Zeller), Charles Casey (Baron Elberfeld) , and Nick Nerangis (Admiral von Schrieber). The ensemble includes Emily Foley, Megan Hasse, Hannah Hubbard, Ily Jeanniton, Shaila Murdock, Erin Puskar, Meggara Blake, Lincoln Belford, Charles Casey, Austin Flewell, Patrick Murray, Aaron Richert, Matthew Sanguine.
One thing I love about SSMT is the stellar quality by the incredible production teams. At the head of the production is Broadway Veteran Jacob Brent (Director), Choreography by Robyn Schroth, Costume design by Sammi Geppert, Lighting design by Andrew Brackett and Scenic design by William Pierson. All of them combined produced a Broadway scale production right here in Winchester, VA.
“The Sound of Music” was everything you would expect it to be, Stellar. This has been one incredible season. If you are new to Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre you are in for a treat! Curious in past shows? Check out my blog post from their most recent production of the gut busting “Young Frankenstein!”
*Appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States*
