Drayton Festival Theatre to Open Season With THE SOUND OF MUSIC

The Drayton Festival Theatre has launched its 2012 Season with one of the most popular musicals in theatre history. The Sound of Music, described as "a timeless masterpiece about the power of love and music," opens the theatre’s 22nd Season on a high note.

Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, says The Sound of Music is one of the most highly anticipated productions of the Season and also features some of Canada’s top theatrical talent.

'The Sound of Music is the perfect example of a production that balances intrigue, romance, humor and emotion,' he says. 'It evokes the breathtaking beauty of the Alps with appealing characters, while depicting a complex period in world history. In doing so, it has enduring appeal.'

In this epic love story, a novice nun named Maria leaves the convent to govern the seven children of Captain von Trapp, whose wife has passed away and growing children are resentful of his strict rules. When Maria takes residence at the von Trapp home, she is initially challenged by the children but soon befriends the mischievous group and brings new joy to their lives through their shared love of music. Their camaraderie sparks a magical relationship and the stoic Captain begins to see Maria in a new light.

As Director and Choreographer, Timothy French has put his creative stamp on this production while staying true to the story. Under his direction, the subtle comedy, eccentric characters and dramatic moments are seamlessly woven together to create an intimate theatre experience.

Jayme Armstrong, a finalist on CBC Television’s smash hit reality show, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, is being described as "destined to play the iconic role of Maria Rainer. Her magnificent voice and gentile persona are perfectly suited for the part. Armstrong radiates great warmth as she relates to the children, and is entirely believable as she captures the heart of the Captain with her delicate charm. Armstrong has undeniable affection for her stage family, which is evident when she performs 'Do Re Mi' and 'The Sound of Music.'

"W. Joseph Matheson is superbly cast as Captain von Trapp. His regal stature befits a man of wealth and power, and Matheson’s genuine sensitivity comes across in his performance. It’s a real treat to hear Matheson’s fine voice in 'Edelweiss', the song made famous by the venerable Christopher Plummer in the 1965 motion picture.

"Displaying heartfelt enthusiasm for their parts, the youngsters in this grand-scale musical are played by remarkably talented performers who steal the show each time they appear on stage.

"Making her Drayton Entertainment debut in The Sound of Music is Alyson Workman as Liesl, von Trapp’s eldest daughter who is besotted with Rolf Gruber, a young man who delivers telegrams to the von Trapp household. Gruber is played by Lucas Meeuse. The pair’s on-stage chemistry gives authenticity to their character’s mutual infatuation, especially when performing the duet, 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen.'

"Jonny Woolley’s quiet gentleness is ideal for the role of fourteen-year-old Friedrich. Woolley’s great vocal ability anchors the children's harmonies and Brontae Hunter is also well cast as the next youngest – impish Louisa von Trapp, who enjoys playing tricks on the governess.

"Peter Jones is eleven-year-old Kurt von Trapp, who despite all attempts to act grown-up, is clearly still a young boy.

"As the sharp-witted fifth child Brigitta, Hadley Mustakas, is truly at home at the Drayton Festival Theatre. Having first appeared on stage at six months of age, the young actress is beginning to take on significant roles since her performance last December in The Wizard of Oz at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.

"Cambridge native Victoria Luis makes her professional stage debut as the sixth child, Marta von Trapp and Avery Grierson is Gretl von Trapp. As the youngest of the von Trapp children, Grierson delights audiences when she performs 'So Long, Farewell.'

"As Mother Abbess, Rebecca Poff displays outstanding vocal prowess in the soaring 'Climb Ev’ry Mountain.' Together with Karen K. Edissi as Sister Margaretta and Christina Gordon as Sister Berthe, the trio showcases their classically trained operatic voices with a memorable performance of 'How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?'

"Jill Diane Filion is ideal as Captain von Trapp’s initial love interest, Elsa Schraeder. Filion’s poise gives sophistication to her character making audiences believe she comes from privilege.

"Rounding out an impressive ensemble cast are Dawn Bergstrom as Baroness Elberfeld, Sheldon Bergstrom as Baron Elberfeld, Ian Deakin as Franz, Stuart Dowling as Herr Zeller, Gabi Epstein as Sister Sophia, William Fisher as Admiral Von Schrieber, and Michelle Fisk as Frau Schmidt.

"In order to create opportunities for community members to receive mentorship in a professional theatre production, eight local performers appear alongside the professional actors in each performance: Kory Fulton, Kae Huberts, Laura Larson, Don McPhee, Nikki Pasqualini, Alicia Reid and Jean Wright.

"Music Director Charlene Nafziger brilliantly leads the band through the iconic score by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

"Set Designer Kelly Wolf takes audiences on a magical voyage in this production by utilizing large backdrops and beautiful set pieces to convey the landscape of the Austrian Alps, the grandeur of the von Trapp home and Maria’s gothic convent, further complemented by the Lighting Design of Jeff Johnston Collins.

"Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold captures the complicated era of the von Trapp story with just the right period costumes to reflect the looming conflict of World War II while enabling audiences be immersed in the romantic tale.

The Sound of Music is based on 'The Trapp Family Singers' a memoir by Maria Augusta Trapp. The inaugural Broadway production took place in November, 1959. It was nominated for nine Tony Awards and captured five wins including Best Musical, Best Actress in a Musical and Best Scenic Design."

The play was later adapted as a landmark musical film in 1965 that starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The film won five Academy Awards and two Golden Globes including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress in a Motion Picture.

The Sound of Music is proudly sponsored by RBC Royal Bank. Media Sponsors are 96.7 CHYM FM and The Waterloo Region Record. Design Sponsor is Smitty’s Fine Furniture. The 2012 Season is sponsored by Martin Mills.

The Sound of Music plays eight shows a week through June 9th. Tickets can be purchased through the Drayton Festival Theatre Box Office at (519) 638-5555; toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866); or online at www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com.

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