Austin’s alive with the sound of music

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Climb every mountain and cross every stream to get to Riverland Community College this summer: Summerset is starting with a few of your favorite things.

One of the world’s most beloved musicals, “The Sound of Music,” will open Summerset Theatre’s 45th season on June 17.

When postulant Maria 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 children, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern captain.

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With music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, the show includes such classic songs as “Do Re Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” and “Climb Every Mountain.” The Sound of Music has a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, and is suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.

“I grew up watching the film version of The Sound of Music and singing the songs over and over again,” said Summerset Executive Director Lindsey Duoos Williams. “It is such a thrill to be able to direct this classic show that has been a part of my musical life for as long as I can remember. Some things get better with age, and the collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein is one of them. This musical — the final show that they wrote together—is quite possibly their best.”

“Auditions for this show were extremely competitive,” said Williams. “We have chosen to include two songs that were written for the film and did not originally appear on Broadway: “I Have Confidence,” sung by Maria, and “Something Good,” sung by Maria and Captain Von Trapp.”

“The Sound of Music” will open on June 17 at 7 p.m. Other performances are from June 18 through 23 at 7:30 p.m. All performances are held at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre on the Austin campus of Riverland Community College.

Individual tickets to “The Sound of Music” are $15 for adults and $10 for students age 16 and younger. Tickets are currently on sale at the Summerset Box Office, located in room E107 in the East Building of the Riverland Community College Austin campus. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before performances. The box office can be contacted at 507-433-0595 or by emailing boxoffice@riverland.edu.

Summerset Theatre’s 2012 season is: “The Sound of Music” playing June 17-23; “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” by Steve Martin, playing July 10-14; and “Cash on Delivery!” by Michael Cooney, playing July 31–Aug. 4.