'Sound of Music' comes to Miller Auditorium
March 28, 2004
KALAMAZOO--The national tour of "The Sound of Music" will make its Kalamazoo premiere at Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University for a limited four-performance engagement Saturday and Sunday, April 3-4.
Based on the book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, "The Sound of Music" features the unforgetable music and lyrics of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II, including "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" and "Edelweiss."
Set in Salzburg, Austria in the late 1930's, "The Sound of Music" is the inspiring true story of the postulant Maria Rainer. She proves too high-spirited for the religious life and is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of the widowed naval Captain von Trapp. Her growing rapport with the von Trapp children, coupled with her generosity and spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern captain, and they are soon married. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that the Nazis have occupied Austria, and have demanded the captain's immediate service in their navy. The finale illustrates the family's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland and freedom.
The original production of "The Sound of Music" opened at Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre Nov. 16, 1959. The production won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and ran for 1,443 performances. The 1965 film version earned five Academy Awards including Best Picture and stands as the most successful movie musical of all time.
Tickets for "The Sound of Music" range from $23 to 47. For tickets, call the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office at (269) 387-2300 or toll free (800) 228-9858, or visit <www.millerauditorium.com>. Tickets also may be purchased through the Epic Center Box Office in downtown Kalamazoo.
"The Sound of Music" at Miller Auditorium is sponsored by WWMT Channel 3 and WKFR 103.3 FM.
Media contact: Tracey Lawie, 269 387-2309, tracey.lawie@wmich.edu