Manatee Players Present THE SOUND OF MUSIC 9/22-10/9

THE SOUND OF MUSIC by Rodgers and Hammerstein opens at the Manatee Players on September 22 and plays through October 9. Performances are Tuesday - Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 including facility fee for adults and $11 including facility fee for students. Tickets may be reserved by calling 748-5875 Monday - Friday from 9-5 and one hour before curtain on performance days or on the Manatee Players' website: www.manateeplayers.com. All performances are at 102 Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton.

The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. When a postulant 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 youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they 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's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. The motion picture version remains the most popular movie musical of all time.

Billy Masuck and Kathryn Parks play Captain Von Trapp and Maria with Shelly Whiteside and Dan Yonko playing Elsa and Max and Jason Ellis as Rolfe. Jeanne larranaga is playing Mother Superior. Two casts of talented young actors alternate as the children. They are Krissy Pizzo, Nick Drivas, Jordan Boyer, Grant Gingrich, Miranda Wolf, Amanda Lade, Marissa Govic, Holly Rizzo, Antoinette Gagliano, Brandon Reid, Emma Diner, Hannah Beatt and Riley Silva. The talented cast also includes Rose West, Kim Betts-Gingrich, Megan Cox, Barb Wolf, Laurie Diner, Mary Beth Greenleaf, Jaqui Woish, Tina Gilbert, Todd Keefe, Jack Beery, MitcheAl Pearl and Jay Poppe.

The show is being directed by Robby May with Rebecca Heintz as musical director and Donna Culbreath as choreographer.

To arrange interviews with cast or director, please call me at 749-1111.