Atlanta Lyric Presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC 12/2-12/18

Atlanta Lyric Theatre, the metro area's only local professional musical theatre company presents "The Sound of Music" at the historic Strand Theatre in Marietta. Tickets are $30-$45, with discounts for seniors, students, and groups of ten or more.

The final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein, "The Sound of Music" has become the world's most beloved musical by capturing the enduring love and unshakable faith that brought high-spirited postulant-turned-governess Maria Rainer, Captain von Trapp, and his seven musically gifted children together to survive and escape the Nazi occupation of Austria. Songs like "My Favorite Things," "Do, Re, Mi," "Sixteen, Going on Seventeen," "Climb Every Mountain," "Edelweiss," and the jubilantly soaring title number express all the beauty, romance, joy and drama of this remarkable family's journey.

Stage and music director Brandt Blocker and choreographer Claci Miller direct a large local cast featuring award-winning actress Wendy Melkonian as Maria, Atlanta theatre icon Jeff McKerley as Captain von Trapp, and recording artist Mary Welch Rogers as the Mother Abbess.

The Lyric cast also features Stephanie Wilkinson as Baroness Elsa Schraeder; John Schmedes as Max Detweiller; Findley Hansard as Liesl; and Nate Brandt as Rolf. The Von Trapp children are Bryce Payne (Friedrich), Hope Valls (Louisa), Allen Hill (Kurt), Brett Cooper (Brigitta), Alyssa Payne (Marta), and Kyla Deaver (Gretl); Reverie Mott Berger is Sr. Berthe; Kelly Schmidt is Sr. Margaretta; Kara Noel Harrington is Sr. Jospehine; Kristie Krabe is Sr. Sophia; Dianne Butler is Frau Schmidt.

Others in the cast include Marissa Druzbanski, Ashleigh Hoppe, Katie Borden, Barbara Macko, Lauren Watkins, Jeff Macko and Matt Carter.

The design team for the show is led by scenic designers Isabel and Moriah Clay-Curley, the lighting designer is Mary Parker; Lindsey Paris is the costume designer; Bobby Johnston is the sound designer; assistant music directors are BJ Brown and John Whitworth; Stephanie Polhemus is the props designer; Daniel Patillo is Technical Director; Dustin Lewis is the assistant director and Christine Jones is the production stage manager.

The Lyric's production of "The Sound of Music" is sponsored in part through the generosity of Ken and Trish Byers.

All performances are held at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre at 117 N. Park Sq., on the historic Marietta Square.

For tickets and information call 404-377-9948 or visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.