The beloved musical The Sound of Music has returned to The Phoenix Theatre Company‘s stage for its 100th season. While the show is a favorite among many, it’s a special one to the theatre as it’s the production that saved it from bankruptcy in the early 1980s. More than 30 years ago, the theatre had fallen on financially hard times until a stellar cast, including local Valley legend Mary Jo West, helped to bring it back to life with The Sound of Music.
“The Sound of Music holds a special place in our hearts at The Phoenix Theatre Company. In the mid-1980s, the theatre was struggling to keep its head above water financially. It was The Sound of Music that helped us through a very challenging time, a time where we worried about our long-term viability as an arts organization. We will forever be indebted to our audience members who came out in droves to see this show decades ago. We hope this rendition of The Sound of Music brings as much joy to today’s audiences as it did all those years ago.”
Michael Barnard, Producing Artistic Director, The Phoenix Theatre Company
The true-life story centers around Maria, a young woman who leaves the convent to become governess to the seven von Trapp children. Set in Austria during WWII, Maria and the von Trapp family, including Captain von Trapp whom she falls in love with, flee the country to escape the Nazi regime. The production also features the unforgettable tunes including “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “Edelweiss.”
This year’s production will be directed by Jeff Whiting and star Trisha Ditsworth as Maria and Mark Epperson as Captain von Trapp. The show will also feature local child actors in the roles of the seven von Trapp children.
The musical will be on stage through Dec. 29. Tickets start at $32.
For tickets and more information, visit: phoenixtheatre.com
