Gallery 7 Theatre in Abbotsford presents its production of The Sound of Music starting Friday, March 15.
The beloved musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein features a cast of nearly 30 performers from around the Fraser Valley and a live orchestra. It runs until March 24 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way.
Gallery 7 artistic/executive director Ken Hildebrandt said the cast and crew are “very excited” to present the musical.
“We’ve worked hard to honour what so many love and cherish about the show while mining some of the deeper themes about discovering one’s place in the world, standing up for what’s right, being true to self and your values, finding healing, and growing up in challenging times,” he said.
The play is set in the Austrian Alps. Amid growing tensions in Europe, Maria, a young nun, is commissioned to serve as governess to the children of the autocratic Captain von Trapp. During her tenure, she brings music and joy to the household, gaining the respect of the children and winning the heart of the stern Captain.
But as the sinister shadow of Nazism grows larger and threatens Austrian sovereignty, Maria and the von Trapps must make a decision that could completely overturn their tranquil and happy existence.
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The show features song favourites such as Climb Every Mountain and My Favourite Things.
“Rodgers and Hammerstein were experts in creating commercially appealing musicals that weren’t afraid to dig deeper into the more challenging parts of the human experience,” Hildebrandt said. “This show is no exception as it both delights and provides some healthy food for thought.”
Playing the iconic roles of Maria and Captain von Trapp are Raelyn Schatz and Liam Whatley respectively. The role of Max Detweiller is played by Peter Shaver while Ruthie MacKenzie takes on the role of Elsa Schraeder. Mother Abbess is played by Bethany Caldwell.
The von Trapp children will be played by Jaimee Huttema as Liesle, Wyatt Sauve as Friedrich, Tehillah Thuro as Louisa, Samuel Pue as Kurt, Clara Fairbairn as Brigitta, Ryan Tempel as Marta and Piper Wilkinson as Gretl.
The role of Rolph is played by October Penningroth. Rounding out the cast are Andrew Abrahams, Addie Cal, Abbie Charlton, Alexis Clift, Kaylie DeBoer, Lora Dijk, Angel Duran-Heon, Sheldon Jeans, Cameron McKerchar, Hannah Richmond, Elizabeth Seaman, Seanna Snyder and Lauren Solomon.
The Sound of Music runs March 15 and 16 and 20-23 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. on March 15, 23 and 24.
Tickets and more information are available at gallery7theatre.com or by calling 604-504-5940.