"Sound of Music" opens VPA season in grand fashion

When the curtain goes up Friday night, theater-goers can expect to see one of the largest productions in the 28-year history of Valley Performing Arts. The Sound of Music, a family favorite, may just be the most elaborate show ever presented by VPA.

"Fiddler on the Roof had more people, but I don't think we ever changed costumes," said VPA Artistic Director Grant Olson, who is directing The Sound of Music. "Overall, this has to be the biggest. There are monster sets. Everything is much, much bigger."

Because The Sound of Music is such a popular story, an extra weekend of shows has already been added to the lineup. The play will run from Sept. 12 through Oct. 12, with Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinee shows at 2 p.m. On Oct. 4 and Oct. 11, there are Saturday matinees as well, giving the performance 17 shows.

The classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical brings together 37 singers and dancers, Olson said. Janet Stotts is handling the huge task of musical direction. Olson said everything has come together, and he's prepared for a grand opening.

"We've worked hard all summer for this weekend," Olson said. "We've put in a lot of effort. I think we've got it pretty tight, and the show is looking good. Now all that's left is seeing how it plays in front of an audience. It should be fun."

Stepping into the lead role of "Maria" is Sara Hughes. She will sing the leading role in the well-known story about the 1938 adventures of the von Trapp family in Austria just before that country was absorbed into Nazi Germany. VPA veteran Ted Carney plays the role of "Captain von Trapp," the World War I naval hero who must choose between caring for his family of seven children or defending the honor of his native Austria.

Other principal roles are played by an assortment of VPA veterans and newcomers, with Mary Olsen as the "Mother Abbess," Warren Foster as the family friend "Max," Kelly Larson as "Elsa," Hillarie Putnam as eldest daughter "Liesl" and newcomer Ben Martinson as her love interest, "Rolf."

The "monster sets" were designed and constructed by Valley Performing Arts Technical Director Rod Mehrtens and the lighting was designed by Damien Salvo.

VPA officials are hoping The Sound of Music can break sales records, much like Fiddler on the Roof did three years ago.

"That's certainly the goal," Olson said. "There is one show that's been sold out for a while, and we're hoping to get all the tickets for the opening weekend sold."

Ticket are $19 for adults and $16 for youth and seniors and are available at CARRS TIX or by calling the VPA box office at 373-0195.