One of the world’s most beloved musicals, The Sound of Music, will open Summerset Theatre’s 45th season on Sunday. When postulant Maria proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the children, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern captain. With music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, the show includes such classic songs as “Do Re Mi,“ “My Favorite Things,“ “Edelweiss,” and “Climb Every Mountain.“ The Sound of Music has a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, and is suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.

Summerset Theatre Executive Director Lindsey Duoos Williams directs “The Sound of Music.” Brian Johnson is the musical director. Bridget Halvorson is choreographer. The set designer is Gordy Handeland. The lighting designer is Cameron Davis. The costumes are by Madlain Vander and Jennifer Wiebrand. The sound designer is Jamie Wiebrand. David Albino is the stage manager.

“I grew up watching the film version of ‘The Sound of Music’ and singing the songs over and over again,” said Williams. “It is such a thrill to be able to direct this classic show that has been a part of my musical life for as long as I can remember. Some things get better with age, and the collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein is one of them. This musical – the final show that they wrote together – is quite possibly their best.”

“Auditions for this show were extremely competitive,” said Williams. “My goal in casting the show was not to attempt to recreate the movie‚ because who can compete with Julie Andrews? but to utilize the incredible local talent that we have here in Austin and display them at their best. Fans of the film will notice that there are some differences between the original Broadway stage version, which debuted in 1959, and the film adaptation, which premiered in 1965. However, we have chosen to include two songs that were written for the film and did not originally appear on Broadway: ‘Have Confidence,’ sung by Maria, and ‘Something Good’ sung by Maria and Captain Von Trapp.”

“The Sound of Music” will open on Sunday at 7 p.m. Other performances are Monday, June 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. All performances are held at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre on the Austin campus of Riverland Community College.

Individual tickets to “The Sound of Music” are $15 for adults and $10 for students age 16 and under. Tickets are currently on sale at the Summerset Box Office, located in room E107 in the East Building of the Riverland Community College Austin campus. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before performances. The box office can be contacted at 507-433-0595 or by emailing boxoffice@riverland.edu.

“The Sound of Music” is appropriate for all ages. Summerset Theatre strives to provide quality productions that are entertaining and challenging to both the audience and the artists. Because it reaches such a diverse audience, some audience members may find some subject matter, language, or situations objectionable. If you have concerns about a specific production, we encourage you to become familiar with the material before attending the performance.

Now in its 45th season, Summerset Theatre presents three large-scale productions each summer on the campus of Riverland Community College in Austin. Productions include classic and contemporary musicals, comedies, and dramas. Summerset Theatre’s 2012 season is: “The Sound of Music” music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, playing June 17 through 23; “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” by Steve Martin, playing July 10 through 14; and C”ash on Delivery!” by Michael Cooney, playing July 31 and Aug. 4. All performances are held at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College, Austin Campus, East Building.