SOUND OF MUSIC Opens at Stages St. Louis Tonight, 7/20

From tonight, July 20 through August 19, The Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood will transform into the beautiful hills of Austria echoing tunes of childhood when STAGES ST. LOUIS presents the beloved musical masterpiece, The Sound of Music.

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.

St. Louis hearts will be warmed by Kevin Kline nominated and St. Louis native Casey Erin Clark as the confident Maria. David Schmitt ou, fondly remembered from the 2004 STAGES production of The Sound of Music, will reprise the classic role of Captain von Trapp. Schmittou also 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 will play Rolf as he dances 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, will be playing 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) returns 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 proves 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. Lively and playful choreography by Dana Lewis, returning for her 20th season at STAGES, will no doubt delight the audience. Director, Michael Hamilton, along with Musical Director, Lisa Campbell Albert will implement their unrivaled skills to make this production one for the ages. The youthful cast will showcase the upcoming talents of St. Louis’ young performers as well as the returning seasoned actors. The Sound of Music will renew the love of music for all ages and indeed make St. Louis come alive with the sound of music.

Single ticket prices range from $15 - $55. STAGES performs in the intimate, 376-seat Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Civic Center, 111 South Geyer Road in St. Louis, Mo. For more information or to purchase tickets call 314-821-2407 or visit www.stagesstlouis.org.