Ogunquit Playhouse Presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC 6/30-7/24, Smith, Bennett To Star

The Sound of Music, the perennial favorite about a problem named Maria, graces the Ogunquit stage from June 30 through July 24. This final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein stars the multi-talented veteran of stage and screen, Rex Smith as Capt. von TrapP. Smith started his career as a "teen idol" heartthrob with the platinum album hit "You Take My Breath Away," then made his stage debut on Broadway at the height of his popularity as Danny Zuko in the original production of Grease. He captivated both critics and audiences and received the Theater World Award for his memorable portrayal of Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance on Broadway. Other starring roles on Broadway include Grand Hotel, Sunset Boulevard, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Annie Get Your Gun and Kiss Me Kate as well as many television and film roles.

Gail Bennett makes her return to the Ogunquit Playhouse as Maria. Bennett just completed the National Tour of Mary Poppins, where she performed the title role over 60 times. She was last seen at the Ogunquit Playhouse in 2008 as Eliza Doolittle in the highly acclaimed, American Masterpiece, My Fair Lady. Broadway veteran Crista Moore joins the cast as the Baroness Elsa Schräder. Moore made her stage debut in the title role of the Broadway production of Gypsy with Tyne Daley, for which she received Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics award nominations. She has numerous stage credits including Waiting in the Wings (with Lauren Bacall) and Big (Tony Nomination for Best Actress). Mother Abbess will be portrayed by Meg Bussert who is best known for her Broadway roles alongside Dick Van Dyke in the revival of The Music Man (Theatre World Award) and in the revival of Brigadoon (Tony Nomination). The role of Max Detweiler will be portrayed by Dick Decareau, who has performed in the National Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and on Broadway in Gentleman Prefer Blondes.

The Sound of Music is considered to be the world's most beloved musical. The original Broadway production starred Mary Martin as Maria and won five Tony Awards in 1959 including Best Musical, then went on to cinematic history with Julie Andrews in the starring role. The show features some of the most delightfully infectious songs of all time, an endearing love story set in Austria at the dawn of WWII and one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. Come hear your favorites songs, "Edelweiss," "Do-Re-Mi" and of course, "The Sound of Music" - the show is guaranteed to win your heart!

The season continues with Sunset Boulevard, July 28 through August 14 starring Stefanie Powers; Monty Python's Spamalot, August 18 through September 11; Chicago, wraps up The Playhouse season, September 15 through October 24 with Sally Struthers in the roll of Matron "Mama" Morton.

The Ogunquit Playhouse is America's Foremost Summer Theatre producing the finest Broadway musicals each season, with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from June 9 to October 24, 2010. Main Stage tickets prices range from $49-$67 per show. Gift Certificates and Season Subscriptions are also on sale now. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season, visit our website www.ogunquitplayhouse.org. Tickets on-line or through the box office at 207-646-5511.

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