Auditions set for ‘Sound of Music’

Auditions for “The Sound of Music,” with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, are scheduled Monday-Wednesday, Aug. 18-20, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theater of The Phipps Center for the Arts.

Callbacks are Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for adults and 2 to 5 p.m. for children.

Director Robert Neu is looking for a wide range of ages, voice ranges and types. All, except those auditioning for non-singing roles, are asked to prepare one musical theater song. An accompanist will be provided. Those auditioning for the non-singing roles of Franz, Frau Schmidt and the ensemble men will be asked to read from the script.

The play revolves around a postulant who proves too high-spirited for the religious life and is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern captain, and they marry.

Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the captain’s immediate service in their navy. The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theater.

Musical highlights include “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.”

Rehearsals begin the week of Sept. 8 on Mondays-Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Twelve performances are Nov. 7-30 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. on the main stage.

Neu recently directed “Naughty Marietta” for Skylark Opera, “The Sound of Music” for Anoka Lyric Arts Theater and “Oliver!” for New Breath Productions. Music director Mary Cay Stone’s credits include Hey City Theatre, Troupe America, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Old Creamery Theatre Company and The Phipps Center.

For more information, call The Phipps at (715) 386-2305.

Tags: phipps, entertainment, hudson, sound_of_music, auditions