'Sound of Music' presented June 22-24

The Huron Valley Community Theater will be performing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Tony Award-winning classic, “The Sound of Music,” this weekend at Huron Valley Lakeland High School’s Center for Performing Arts.

Performances will be Friday, June 22 and Saturday June 23 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 24, at 2 p.m.

The Sound of Music is a story of Maria, a young woman who is contemplating becoming a nun. Although she has good intentions, she proves too high-spirited for the religious life. She is sent to serve as a governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain. The kids quickly become attached to Maria, who also gradually captures the heart of the captain. The captain and Maria eventually 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 brainstorms a plan to escape over the mountains to Switzerland.

“The stage version existed far before the film musical, so there will be some differences from the movie,” said Co-Producer Karen Nave. “All the songs and characters from the movies are still there and recognizable. It’s a great way for this generation to get to see the stage version.”

Nave added that the production is unique given that a full orchestra will accompany the cast.

“It’s unique, and a neat experience for the cast and also adds to the production value,” Nave said.

The orchestra is comprised of college and high school students, as well as professional adult percussionists.

“The students get a glimpse into how they can use their talents to move forward vs. just playing with peers in high school,” Nave said.

About 50 cast members ranging from 6- to 60-years-old are participating in the production.

“We have people in it from Waterford, Brighton, Howell, Commerce, Highland and, of course, Huron Valley, so it’s a good representation of the area and the community at large,” Nave said.

The production is directed by Jason Pratt and produced by Nave and Jessie Pratt, Huron Valley Milford High School graduates who have been actively involved in theater.

The cast is as follows:

• Maria Rainer, played by Erinn Wrobel;

• Georg Von Trapp, played by Bartholomew Reed;

• Liesl Von Trapp, played by Meghan Griesbeck;

• Friedrich Von Trapp, played by Clayton Maxwell;

• Louisa Von Trapp, played by Kaitlyn Russell;

• Kurt Von Trapp, played by Ian Lynar;

• Brigitta Von Trapp, played by Julia Schwendenmann;

• Marta Von Trapp, played by Tessa Biondo;

• Gretl Von Trapp, played by Aspen Jacobson;

• Mother Abbess, played by Candie Hardin;

• Elsa Schraeder, played by Kenna Giddings;

• Max Detweiller, played by Robert Boston;

• Sister Margaretta, played by Nancy Boyd;

• Sister Berthe, played by Kathy Olgeirsson;

• Sister Sophia, played by Deb Biondo;

• Rolf Gruber, played by James Richardson;

• Frau Schmidt, played by Christine Hubbell; and

• Franz, played by Ryan Goodman.

Reserved seating tickets cost $11 per adult, $8 for seniors/students, and $6 for children 9-years-old and under. Register online at hvcommunitytheater.org.