Engeman Announces SOUND OF MUSIC Cast

The John W. Engeman Theater is proud to announce the cast for their upcoming production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Just in time for the holiday season, this Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic begins previews on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 8:00pm and officially opens on November 20, 2010 at 8:00pm. It will run until January 16, 2011.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC is based on the true memoirs of Maria Von Trapp's book, 'The Story of the Trapp Family Singers', and is the winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical. This classic musical features one of the most family-friendly and popular scores in Broadway history. With songs such as 'My Favorite Things', 'Do-Re-Mi', 'So Long, Farewell', and 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain', it is the perfect show to share with the entire family.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC cast features: Alison Walla (Maria Rainer) who most recently appeared in the role of Hodel in the John W. Engeman Theater's production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Broadway credits include A TALE OF TWO CITIES, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, INTO THE WOODS, as well as A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at the New York City Opera. Rob Gallagher (Capitan Von Trapp) credits include SOUTH PACIFC at Lincoln Center and Javert in LES MISERABLES (Broadway). He returns to the John W. Engeman Theater having played Bill Sykes in OLIVER and Dr. Carasco in MAN OF LA MANCHA. Linda Balgord (Mother Abbess) recently appeared on Broadway in the role of Queen Elizabeth I in THE PIRATE QUEEN (Drama Desk Award Nomination), Grizabella in the final company of CATS, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (2005 Revival), PASSION and as the Standby for Patti LuPone in GYPSY. Felicia Finley (Elsa Schrader) is a Broadway regular and has been entertaining audiences in such shows as THE WEDDING SINGER, AIDA, Forbidden Broadway, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, and THE LIFE. She also was recently featured as Lola in the John W. Engeman season opener DAMN YANKEES. Roger E. DeWitt (Max Detweiler) comes to the John W. Engeman Theater on the heels of the critically acclaimed NY runs of OUR TOWN and ADDING MACHINE: A MUSICAL, both directed by David Cromer. Broadway/Regional credits include WOMAN IN WHITE, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, JEKYLL AND HYDE, 3HREE, RAGTIME and MUSIC MAN. Nick Cosgrove (Rolf Gruber) is a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and is thrilled to be a part of this production. He was last seen as Ty Belvedere in a benefit performance of WANDA'S WORLD.

The cast also includes: John Baker (Herr Zeller) whose credits include THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Max), 42ND STREET (Bert) and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and CHICAGO at the Summer Theatre, MerEdith Village. Janna Cardia (Sister Berthe) credits include tours of CINDERELLA (starring Lea Salonga), WIZARD OF OZ; Regional credits include SPELLING BEE (Riverside Theatre), OLIVER, GREASE, INTO THE WOODS (Fulton Opera House). Gordon Gray (Franz) previously was seen as the Constable in the John W. Engeman Theater production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF andhas performed in numerous tours of Broadway shows. Lesley Hamilton (Sister Margaretta) recently toured in THE SOUND OF MUSIC with Theatre of the Stars. A founding member of San Francisco's 42nd Street Moon, she has appeared in over thirty productions. Lauren Lukacek (Sister Sophia) credits include JOSEPH at North Shore Music Theatre, GENESIUS: A NEW MUSICAL (Marjory), OF THEE I SING (Bard SummerScape Festival), and HAIR (TheatreZone, FL). Joan St. Onge (Frau Schmidt) played Lottie Child in CRAZY FOR YOU at the John W. Engeman Theater. Some of her regional credits include RABBIT HOLE, GREY GARDENS, JEWTOPIA, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, and MINDGAME. Kathleen Clancy (Baroness Elberfeld, Ensemble) credits include A WONDERFUL LIFE at the John W. Engeman and most recently, SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM with the Women's Theater Company. Mark Epperson (Elberfeld, Von Schreiber) recently appeared in the John W. Engeman Theater production of MY FAIR LADY. Other Regional Theater credits include 42ND STREET (Pat Denning), and THE FULL MONTY (Teddy).

Also included in the cast are William C. Bailey, Chris Blisset, Patrick Ryan, Rebecca Stavis and Ashley Flanagan.

The Von Trapp Children will be played by: Justine Ré (Liesl Von Trapp); Madison Barrett (Marta VonTrap); Karlie Kohler (Louisa Von Trapp); Nell Worden (Louisa Von Trapp); Lee Eden (Brigitta Von Trapp); Ali Moreno (Brigitta Von Trapp); Dylan Sage Perles (Marta Von Trapp); Austin Pogrob (Friedrich Von Trapp); Jared Ross (Kurt Von Trapp); Daniel Siegel (Friedrich Von Trapp); Jake Bennett Siegfried (Kurt Von Trapp); Natalie Seus (Gretl Von Trapp); and Zoe Kaya Perles (Gretl Von Trapp).

Press Opening is Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 8:00 pm. THE SOUND OF MUSIC will play the following performance schedule: Thursdays at 8:00 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m., Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. In addition, there will be special matinees on: Friday, November 26 at 3:00pm, Wednesday, December 29 at 3:00pm and Thursday, December 30 at 3:00pm. Also, there will performances on Sunday evenings at 7:00pm, starting December 5 and performances on Wednesday evenings at 8:00pm, starting December 15.

Tickets are now on sale and are $60. Tickets may be purchased by calling (631) 261-2900, by visiting www.engemantheater.com, or at the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. To purchase Season Tickets and Gift Cards please contact the Box Office directly. For group rates or to host an event at the John W. Engeman Theater, please contact the Group Sales Department at 631-261-2900.

The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport is Long Island's only year round professional theater company, casting our actors from the Broadway talent pool. From curb to curtain, we have made it our business to provide affordable, Quality Theater in an elegant one-of-a-kind location with outstanding facilities and extraordinary service. The renovated Theater offers stadium-style seating, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, a full orchestra pit, and a classic wood-paneled piano lounge with full bar.

For a complete show schedule and more information contact the theater directly at 631-261-2900, visit the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport or visit www.EngemanTheater.com