Auditions - The Sound of Music - Indian Valley Theatre

Indian Valley Theatre will host auditions for the Rodgers and Hammerstein masterwork, ‘The Sound of Music,’ from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 8 and from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday, July 9 at the Sandwich Opera House, 140 E. Railroad Street in Sandwich

The longest running Broadway musical of the early 1960s,The Sound of Music marked the last collaboration between composer Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) and lyricist/librettist Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960).

Based partially on Maria Von Trapp's autobiography, The Trapp Family Singers, and partially on a German film, Die Trapp Familie, The Sound of Music includes a remarkable number of popular songs, such as "The Sound of Music," "My Favorite Things," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Do-Re-Mi," and "Edelweiss."

The setting for The Sound of Music is Salzburg, Austria, where Maria, a postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, is too free-spirited to accept the discipline of the order easily and frequently escapes to the mountains. Thus, the Mother Abbess arranges for Maria to work as a governess for the wealthy, aristocratic Captain George Von Trapp—a widower with seven children. By adding music and outdoor expeditions to the children's normally rigorous schedule, Maria wins the children's hearts. Although Captain Von Trapp is engaged to the elegant socialite, Elsa Schraeder, through the course of the play he falls in love with Maria and eventually marries her.

But it is 1938, and the Von Trapps' married life is quickly disrupted by Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria. The family has become well known as an amateur singing group, and after a final appearance at a local contest, they manage to escape and cross the mountains on foot to Switzerland. The first romance of Von Trapp's oldest daughter Liesl, unfortunately with a young Nazi, provides a bittersweet subplot.

The Sound of Music is still regarded by many as the most famous musical of all time. This timeless true tale will be a joy for all involved in this production: onstage actors, backstage crew and designers, and audience members alike.The Sound of Music is a show with many great ensemble moments, and therefore every single role is essential for fully bringing the world of the musical to life.

The beloved musical will play two weekends at the Opera House October 12-21, 2012. Rehearsals will begin in late July and be held twice weekly until the production nears. Roles to be cast include 17 principal and secondary roles, including seven children, as well as a large ensemble of adult women and men, and a small amount of children.

Auditioners must be at least 5 years old on the day of auditions, and should come prepared to sing a song, under one minute long, that best demonstrates their vocal ability and personality. All vocal auditions should be prepared a capella. Individuals will also read cold from the script. Callbacks for selected performers may be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10 at the Opera House.

Indian Valley Theatre is an Illinois Not-for-Profit organization dedicated to the appreciation and development of the performing arts in the Fox Valley area. For more information visit www.indianvalleytheatre.com, send an e-mail toindianvalleytheatre@gmail.com or like Indian Valley Theatre on facebook.