Previews: THE SOUND OF MUSIC, YOUTH EDITION at Patel Conservatory, Straz Center

One of the most beloved musicals of all time is coming to the Patel Conservatory on February 23 -26.

Under the direction of Audrey Siegler, Patel Conservatory students, ages five to 16, will perform The Sound of Music, Youth Edition, a love story about Maria. She is a young governess who brings light and music into the lives of the Von Trapp family, only to face danger from Nazis during the early days of World War II.

Forty-one students will perform the beautiful story with music written by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

"I think what's really exciting is that the majority of people going to come to see this has a personal connection to the story, and so there are certain things that they're looking for when they come," explained Audrey. "It's really fun for us to try to hold up the memorable things they're looking for but also take some creative liberties, making it our own. For example, our set will look slightly different than what you might expect from the traditional version of the show. Our interpretations of some of the material may be somewhat different too. We're just trying to keep it honest to the actual history (musical/film), but then also add in our own twist. It's beautiful to see our students have the opportunity to be real people and try to understand their journey and their struggles.

Seventeen-year-old student Choreographer Francesca Werner has been a conservatory student for six years. While she has performed in several shows, this is her second time assisting as a choreographer. She plans to attend Marymount Manhattan College for dance and study choreography.

"It's really a beautiful thing when you can keep something true to its origin but also have the educational setting to learn and progress in what you're doing to make it your own," agreed Francesca. "The show has been a wonderful experience. I love being guided and mentored by the people I'm normally directed by. To see everyone on a different level is awesome as well."

Fourteen-year-old Zahra Sparkman plays Liesl. She grew up watching the story on stage and screen with her mom, who cried happy tears when she learned her daughter had been cast in the show.

"The number of times I've seen the show and the times I've talked to my mom about it helped me form my character," said Zahra. "It's been so much fun to get to know my siblings in the show and create moments on stage with them. They are such great people, and I love working with them."

When asked what the message of this historical musical is, Francesca responded, "There is such a message of love - not just between two people - but between your family. I think it's really cool to see that."

Audrey added, "This is a show for everyone, but it would be really extra special if you came with your family to experience it together - like a grandchild experiencing it with a grandparent for the first time or a parent who grew up watching it seeing it with their child."

The Sound of Music, Youth Edition will be performed February 23-26, Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

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