Photo Flash: SOUND OF MUSIC Photo Diary from STAGES St. Louis' Casey Erin Clark

The Sound of Music just closed at STAGES St. Louis, and Casey Erin Clark, who played the starring role of Maria Rainer, captured her experience in photos. Scroll down for a day-in-the-life photo diary of Clark's experience onstage!

Casey returned to her hometown and STAGES to play Maria after her Kevin Kline-nominated performance as Jo in LITTLE WOMEN. She recently completed 18 months with the original cast of the 25th Anniversary Touring Production of LES MISERABLES (Factory Girl/Fantine u/s). Off-Broadway/NYC credits include FRANKENSTEIN (Agatha, Elizabeth u/s), SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL (Red Girl), THE INCREDIBLY DEAF MUSICAL (Lisa, NYMF), many readings, and concerts at the world-famous Birdland and Joe’s Pub. Regional favorites include JEKYLL AND HYDE (Emma), SPITFIRE GRILL (Percy), and CITY OF ANGELS (Donna/Oolie).

The show ran from July 20 through August 19 at The Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood. The magical true-life story of Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves the convent to become governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp has become one of the most popular family entertainments of all time. The internationally acclaimed Rodgers and Hammerstein score includes such sing-along favorites as “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb “Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss,” and the immortal title tune. Join STAGES for one of Broadway’s “favorite things” in this Tony Award-winning musical and Oscar-winning movie.

David Schmittou, fondly remembered from the 2004 STAGES production of The Sound of Music, reprised the classic role of Captain von Trapp. Schmittou received a Kevin Kline Award for Lead Actor in STAGES 2010 production of The Drowsy Chaperone. Coming directly from the long-running Off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks, Matt Leisy played Rolf as he danced atop gazebo benches with Heidi Giberson in her STAGES debut as Liesl von Trapp. To top off the stellar cast, Suzanne Ishee, Emmy and Drama Desk Award-winning producer, actor, and playwright, played the wise Mother Abbess, having already amazed audiences as Carlotta in the Broadway production and National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera. Kari Ely (Elsa) returned to STAGES after winning two Kevin Kline Awards for Best Lead Actress and Supporting Actress in 2011, alongside Broadway veteran William Thomas Evans (Max) who has several national tour credits to his name.

The artistic team proved just as strong as the cast with Mark Halpin mastering the nostalgic scenery, Matthew McCarthy the sun-dappled lighting, and Lou Bird the masterful period costumes. Featuring lively and playful choreography by Dana Lewis, returning for her 20th season at STAGES, and director, Michael Hamilton, along with Musical Director, Lisa Campbell Albert, the youthful cast showcased the upcoming talents of St. Louis’ young performers as well as the returning seasoned actors.

Check out www.caseyerinclark.com and Clark’s album “The Song Begins” on iTunes.

Good morning! Starting the day with a bit of yoga and a kettle bell workout in my living room. Have to stay in shape to keep up with those kids!

Going over my lines and songs for our August 13th cabaret

Today we have a cast potluck dinner between the shows--I made a lemon cake. Another compelling reason for that morning workout!

Brunch at Kirkwood's First Watch restaurant--so happy to get to catch up with good friends Katie Dively and Hannah Dhue this morning.

Katie and Hannah and I exploring Kirkwood's adorable shops--they both did theater at my high school, and Hannah is now majoring in theater at my alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan University!

Kirkwood's adorable farmer's market--where Katie, Hannah and I pick up some local peaches. Yum!

My dressing room station, complete with all my "good luck charms"--the shell is from my Stages sister Pamela Brumley (Beth) and the Stages 2008 production of Little Women. The picture of my husband and me always goes next to my wedding ring. Glad he'll get to see the show this weekend!

Yep, that's a lot of costumes. And a LOT of shoes! Thanks to our amazing dressers for taking such good care of us. My dresser Michelle even carries my water bottle around so I can fuel up during all of my quick changes. I would be one thirsty governess without her help.

Wigs at the ready!

Mother Mary watching over backstage, ready for her closeup in the Mother Abbess' office.

Apparently, the Captain Von Trapp is so rich that he can hang Dutch master paintings in the governess' room!

The notorious Bo'sun Whistles . . . David Schmittou is quite a pro with his. Me . . . not so much . . .

The kids have a fight call every day for Kurt and Friedrich's sword fight--here, Matt Howard shows us his dramatic death scene.

After fight call, the kids warm up together with their reprise of "The Sound of Music".

Music Director Lisa and the kids salute each other. It's a tradition!

My pre-show warmup . . . pacing around the Community Center gym, making lots of noise. It's always fun when the janitors walk through and give me weird looks!

Our gorgeous ladies ensemble getting ready for showtime!

Wig Mistress Sara readies my Maria wig . . .

Ready for my first entrance for show number 1--stage hand David gives me a smooth ride out on the "Barbie Dream Bridge"!

David Schmittou readies for HIS first entrance--while lip-synching to my onstage performance of "I Have Confidence" . . . I would not have known about this without my dresser Michelle's spying!

The Von Trapp kids giving me "America's Top Model" in their fabulous curtain clothes.

Some of our ensemble actors have quite a bit of downtime backstage--their card games get pretty epic.

The kids love to hang out with "Uncle Max" before the curtain goes up for Act Two.

Franz the butler had a former life as a yoga instructor.

Hmmm--the Nazis must REALLY like Captain Von Trapp. Check out the heart stamps on his telegram!

David and I decide to model each other's hats for the "return from the honeymoon" scene. And Elsa (Kari Ely) is apparently still mad at me for stealing her boyfriend.

Good thing I had a workout this morning. Check out the spread at our cast potluck! Thank you so much to the lovely Pam Recamp for offering her house for us to chill between shows! Fun trivia for musical theater fans: she played opposite Norbert Leo Butz in Guys and Dolls in HIGH SCHOOL! Yeah, I geeked out too when I heard.

Schnitzel's Brothers and Sisters in the lobby, ready for you to take them home!

Time for the second show! Ever wondered how the nuns keep those wimples on? Sister Lori Badgett Pagano shows us. It's quite a contraption.

Bet you didn't know Baron Elberfeld (Whit Reichert) was related to the Monopoly Man.

I adore Whit. In fact, I think David is a little jealous. Oops.

Sean Shely (Admiral Von Schreiber) uses his downtime for a workout. He's flexible!

Matt Leisy (Rolf) apparently got the mysterious internet password from SOMEONE.

Yep--more card games! Don't mess with Frau Schmidt and Herr Zeller. They play for keeps!

Sean: "Am I putting this thing on right?"

Fabulous evening clothes! And check out Baroness Elberfeld's tiara. I want one!

Sister Berthe (Michelle Elmore) steals some alone time in the alley.

Uncle Max (Bill Evans) sneaks in some work time in between scenes.

The iPad looks a LITTLE out of place in the hands of Mother Abbess (the GLORIOUS Suzanne Ishee). But Suzanne doesn't care! She and Kari Ely are having a youtube break.

STILL. PLAYING. CARDS.