The Sound Of Music returns to Crossville on February 10, as the Cumberland County Playhouse revives the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical directed by Weslie Webster, with musical direction by Ron Murphy, and starring Lindy Pendzick (named to First Nights Top 11 of 2011 for her performance in Little Shop Of Horrors) starring in the role of Maria.
Memphis native and opera veteran Stephen Len White makes his Playhouse debut in the role of Captain von Trapp. White has sung with New York Grand Opera, the Bronx Opera, Opera Memphis and the Auckland, New Zealand Opera. His musical theater background includes the American tour and the Belgian production of Phantom Of The Opera.
Brenda Frye rounds out the trio of leading roles as the Mother Abbess, her dramatic soprano voice perfectly suited to the beautiful “Climb Every Mountain.” Jason Ross and Lauren Marshall Murphy co-star, with supporting roles filled by Daniel Black, Greg Pendzick and Caitlin Schaub, along wth 21 talented area young people alternating as the seven Von Trapp children. The large cast, with its dynamic choral sound, includes nearly 50 “nuns” of the Abbey and an impressive Abbey Children’s Choir.
The final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein, The Sound of Music proved to be one of the world’s most beloved musical.
On the eve of World War II, widowed Austrian naval captain Georg von Trapp and his children are shadowed by loss and sensing the looming threat of war. But when the free-spirited Maria arrives to be the children’s new governess, she brings music and love back into their lives—even that of the stern, lonely Captain. But will their newfound joy be shattered as the Third Reich occupies their once-peaceful homeland?
The sweeping musical drama of The Sound of Music tells the powerful story of a loving family fighting for life and country—until the nuns of Maria’s former convent defy the swastika and help them escape. Filled with unforgettable songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” “The Sound of Music” and the magnificent choral anthem “Climb Every Mountain” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s award-winning score is one of the most-beloved in musical theater history.
The Sound Of Music will run on CCP’s Mainstage through April 6. Driving Miss Daisy continues in the Adventure Theater through April 14, with The Moving of Lilla Barton opening in the Adventure theater on March 1. All Shook Up! opens on March 16 on the Mainstage.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.ccplayhouse.com or by calling (931) 484-5000. Tickets and information are also available for selected concerts at Crossville’s Palace Theater, Shanks Center for the Arts benefit Cabaret on March 31, Southern Symphonic Brass and other events.
