For its last production in a season of unprecedented success, CenterStage at the JCC brings the beloved family classic The Sound of Music to the Linker Auditorium, 3600 Dutchmans Ln., May 8-18.
The show promises to capture the magic of the original theatric masterpiece, delivering its timeless heart and joy to a new generation of theatre-goers.
“What you loved about The Sound of Music as a child, you can now share with your family,” said CenterStage Artistic Director John Leffert.
The story begins when Maria, a young postulant whose love of freedom battles her strict religious lifestyle, is sent by her superiors to be the governess to Captain von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. Unlike previous governesses, Maria becomes friends with the children through their mutual love of music. Soon, even the strict Captain von Trapp softens and falls in love with Maria. But when the Nazis invade Austria, the family is forced to flee over the Alps to escape.
The Sound of Music features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Russel Crouse and Howard Lindsay. The original Broadway production opened on Nov. 16, 1959, and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The film version starred Julie Andrews in one of her most memorable roles and garnered five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Lauren LeBlanc, A CenterStage star in such recent productions as Legally Blonde and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas will play Maria and Rusty Henle of A New Brain and Ragtime will play Captain von Trapp. But Leffert promises it’s the seven youths playing the von Trapp children who will likely steal the show.
CenterStage is pleased to continue its tradition of community partnership and service. In The Sound of Music, the Von Trapps are a displaced family. In Louisville’s community, Volunteers of America serves our displaced families. CenterStage will present a special sneak preview show benefiting Volunteers of America on Wed., May 7, with a 6:30 p.m. reception before the 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased online at www.voaky.org/CenterStage. Special guests of the evening will be families currently living at the VOA Family Emergency Shelter, who are attending free of charge.
“Our Family Emergency Shelter serves some of the community’s neediest citizens,” said Jane W. Burks, President and CEO of Volunteers of America of Kentucky. “We’re so thankful to CenterStage for offering homeless families the chance to enjoy a great theatrical performance and for giving our supporters the opportunity to be a part of this special night.”