The Sound of Music

A story of hope in the face of rising horrors, this final collaboration between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II has become known and loved throughout the world. Maria, a free-spirited postulant, is sent to serve as a governess to seven motherless children. Using patience, kindness, and The Sound of Music, she ultimately wins the hearts of both the children and their father, but the family must soon make the unthinkable choice and flee their homeland.

Music By

RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics By

OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

Book By
HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE

Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp

Running Time

APPROXIMATELY

2 HOURS, 20 MINUTES

with INTERMISSION

Director

WAYNE BRYAN

Music Director

DENNIS CASTELLANO

Choreographer

CHRISTINE NEGHERBON

Honorary Producers:

Dr. James & Karen Wells

Associate Producers:

Evalyn M Bauer Foundation, Dr. George & Celeste Macer, Joe & Edna Moore, Avalee Wagner

Youth Performance Underwriters :

Howard & Nikki Applebaum, Ellen Chase, Sheila Fulmis, Ronald Jennings, Frank & Margie Newell

This family-friendly show is rated G.
Language
None.
Sexual Innuendo
None.
Drugs and Alcohol
None.

Violence
None.
Mature Content
None.
There is some Nazi imagery shown that may be disturbing to individuals.


Cast


Juliana Sloan is overjoyed to be Maria- dream role! Past Theatre includes Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie, 1st National Tour), Sunday in the Park with George (Celeste #1, Pasadena Playhouse), Sweeney Todd (Johanna, South Coast Repertory), M. Butterfly (Rene, South Coast Repertory), Les Miserables (Eponine, Music Circus), Saved (Lana, Playwrights Horizons), and Grammy-nominated West Side Story (Rosalia, SF Symphony). Voice Over highlights: Pixar’s Toy Story 4, Star vs. Forces of Evil (Disney XD), Unikitty (WB), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins-Legacy album, Disney). Television credits: Every Other Holiday (Lifetime) and Songs of a Lifetime (PBS).

Jonathan von Mering is thrilled to be performing in his first production with Musical Theatre West! Film/TV: “The Holdovers”, “The Flight Attendant”, “Julia”, “Big Sky”, “Law & Order”, “FBI”. Stage: The Tempest at Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles (Francisco, u/s Alonso), Fiddler on the Roof 1st National Tour (Lazar, u/s Tevye). VO: “Call of Duty Black Ops IV”, “Final Fantasy Dissidia”, “Shatterline”. Training: USC, RADA, Lesly Kahn & Co, JRS Studios.

Sarah Wolter – MTW Debut! Additional regional credits include: Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth Benning), A Little Night Music (Charlotte Malcolm), Ragtime (Mother), Taming of the Shrew (Katherine), Cabaret (Sally Bowles). In addition to her theatrical work, LA audiences may remember Sarah’s multiple appearances on comedy stages around town including: The Groundlings, Second City, and Rockwell Table & Stage; where she performed improv and original sketches as a founding member of Fred for Nothing and Stupid Songs LA. Sarah is represented by Avalon Artists Group and World Builder Entertainment.

Blakely Amador is 8 years old and in 3rd Grade. Her past roles include Gretl in The Sound of Music, Chip in Beauty and the Beast, Matilda in Matilda the Musical, Young Cruella in Cruella, and Meena in Sing 2. She is grateful for the chance to perform with Musical Theatre West for the first time.

Meghan Andrews (ELSA) Winner! 2023 Broadway World Award for her work as Lady Macbeth at Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Broadway: Frost/Nixon (Broadway&National Tour), Off-Broadway: The Trip to Bountiful (Lucille Lortel Nomination). L.A.: King Charles III (Pasadena Playhouse), Into the Breeches! (I.C.T.), Ladies (Boston Court), Regional: The Trip to Bountiful (Goodman), King Lear, Collected Stories (Rubicon), Words By Ira Gershwin, Spitfire Grill (North Coast), Doubt (George Street), Film&TV: Justified, Law & Order: C.I., The Adjustment Bureau (Universal), and many others. Lifetime member of the Actors’ Studio. www.meghanandrews.com

Abigail Barnaby is elated to be performing with Musical Theater West! She’s in 5th grade at McGaugh Elementary and has performed in shows since kindergarten, including Aladdin Jr. (Genie), Lion King Jr. (Simba), Newsies (Ensemble), Annie Jr. (Rooster), and Mary Poppins (Fannie/Ensemble). Thank you for coming and please enjoy the show!

Brady Barrett, a 12-year-old, is thrilled to be doing his first production with Musical Theatre West. Some of his favorite past roles include Michael in Mary Poppins, Flounder in The Little Mermaid, and Les in Newsies.  He would like to thank the production team for this incredible opportunity.

Rachel Beard is a 9th grader at Millikan High School. She has performed in Wizard of Oz, Elf and Yankee Doodle Dandy with MTW. Recently she performed in Joseph.. with McCoy/Rigby. At school she has played Anna in Frozen Jr and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde Jr. Rachel studies and performs with Orange County Song & Dance.



Danny Bernardo (Ensemble) makes his MTW debut! He has worked with Steppenwolf, About Face, Goodman, Portland Center Stage, Pittsburgh Public Theater, McCoy Rigby/La Mirada, and East West Players among others. Favorite roles: “Joe” (Young Americans, world premiere), “Harry” (Mamma Mia), “Kayama” (Pacific Overtures), “Hot Blades Harry” (Urinetown), “Bill” (Kiss Me Kate). He is a frequent performer with Mostly Musicals and Back Room Shakespeare. Proud papa to Padfoot, Stascio, and Tejada. Thanks to the cast and team, MTW, and the Happen Agency. As always: for Mom. www.dannybernardo.com @thatdannyb

Tucker Boggs (he/him) is excited to be making his MTW debut. He’s performed at regional theaters and festivals around the U.S. (Geffen Playhouse, South Coast Repertory, Shakespeare by the Sea, Hollywood Fringe Fest, Hangar Theatre, Woodstock Playhouse, Renaissance Theatre), as well as in numerous roles in film and a recent TV pilot, “Love’s Gate”. He was last seen in The Inheritance at Geffen Playhouse. He’s a BFA graduate of Ball State University and currently studies acting with Ann Noble. IG: @tuckerboggs. tuckerboggs.com.

Briana Bonilla Bio to come

Katie Brown is excited to be back with MTW! You may remember her as Doris from MTW’s Damn Yankees. Some of her favorite shows over the years include: Loch Ness: A New Musical, The Secret Garden, The Taffetas, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Working, Lucky Stiff, Quilters, Urinetown, and many more. Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Sarah, Janey, and all her family and friends for their love and support. “It truly means the world to have you encouraging, coaching, and cheering me on.” Sending love all around!

Lola Buckland is beyond thrilled to be playing the part of Marta! She has been involved in musical theater from 4 years old. Most recently Aladdin Jr. (Aladdin) and Annie Jr (July). Lola would like to thank her family and friends for all their support, wisdom and encouragement.

Jacqueline Dennis is thrilled to join Musical Theatre West for The Sound of Music! She holds a B.A. in Music Performance from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at Cal State Long Beach and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute. Recent performance credits include Texas in Altadena Music Theatre’s Cabaret,  Natasha in the West Coast premiere of Natasha Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 at Shotgun Players, and The Moon in Ray of Light Theatre’s Caroline or Change.

Erin Dubreuil is absolutely thrilled to be back at MTW after appearing in 9 to 5 the Musical. Other favorite credits include Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (MTW), Carrie in Carrie: The Musical (UCLA), Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Nanette in No, No, Nanette (Candlelight Pavilion), 42nd Street (3D Theatricals), and 42nd Street, Evita, and The Who’s Tommy (PVPA). Erin is a proud graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television. Many thanks to her supportive family and friends, her team at KMR, and the 9 to 5 creative team, cast, and crew!

Brennan Jacob Esguerra is 13-year-old actor, singer and dancer based in Southern California and is thrilled to be making his debut with the Musical Theater West. Recent credits: Children’s Choir in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (McCoy Rigby Entertainment), Soprano in Voices Of Hope Children’s Choir (recently seen on AGT All Stars) and Soloist in Rising Stars (CCAE Theatricals). Past performances: Jack in Into The Woods (MTOC), Young Simba in The Lion King (Center Stage), Kurt in Sound Of Music (Center Stage) and William in Frankenstein (GCG Theatricals). IG: @brennanesguerra

Natalie Gissel MTW and regional theatre debut! Natalie is a 2023 graduate from CSULB’s Bob Cole Conservatory of Music with her BM in Choral and Vocal Music Education. Previous roles include Little Women (Beth), Grease (Frenchy), and Hairspray (Amber). It’s been a dream to perform with MTW since seeing their production of Meet Me in St. Louis on a field trip with her 2nd grade class. So grateful for this opportunity!

Niles Gray’s acting and theatre credits include Gavroche in Arts & Learning Conservatory’s Les Misérables, Romanus in the “Saints Benedict and Scholastica” episode of the television series The Littlest Saints, and his favorite role, Young Calogero in Stage Door Repertory Theatre’s A Bronx Tale.  In his free time, Niles enjoys filmmaking, screenwriting, tennis, and model trains.

Lauren Han is thrilled to make her MTW debut! Her recent stage credits include: Mickey and the Magical Map with her friend Mulan (Disneyland), King and I as Tuptim (La Mirada Theatre) and Tarantino Live as O-Ren Ishii (FTR). Han also appears on “Beef” (Netflix), “Me Time” (Netflix), and “Partners in Rhyme” (ALLBLK). Han was awarded Performance Award in the Bel Canto Institute in Italy, 1st Place in NATS LA Competition and was nominated as Best Featured Actress by Broadway World.

Rachel Holbrook hails from Leeds in the UK and trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London, she is delighted to be making her MTW debut! Favorite London credits include: Lily in the original cast of The House of Mirrors and Hearts, Waverly in the first British cast of Next Thing you Know, Tina McCoy in The Fix, Pol in Merrie England, London. Lead production singer aboard Cunard’s flagship, QM2. Backing singer for Sir Elton John, including television. The voice of Mantari in the Mattel animated series Mecard.

Eleen Hsu-Wentlandt Bio to come

LisaMarie Jenkin Bio to come

Jennifer Kersey is thrilled to make her MTW debut! Credits: International Tour of The Sound of Music, Disney Cruise Line (Anne Marie in Disney Dreams, Andy in Toy Story the Musical), Mary in Parade, Emma in Jekyll & Hyde, Meg in Little Women, Laura in Little House on the Prairie. Parks: Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts, Legoland, Six Flags. Operas: Cendrillon in Cendrillon, Adele in Die Fledermaus. She also has her own TYA theater and is a professional Mrs. Claus! Love to husband and son! @jactressz

Damon Kirsche (Herr Zeller, U/S Captain von Trapp, Max Detweiller) returns to MTWest with credits in 42nd Street (Marsh, Drama Circle Critics nomination), ’S Wonderful, Man of La Mancha, 1776, Annie, and readings of Bells are Ringing and On a Clear Day… Stage: MTWichita, South Coast Repertory, McCoy/Rigby, Music Circus, Kimmel Center, and more. Concert: Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Disney Hall, Encores!, Reprise!, Berliner Dom, with the Fred Barton Orchestra, Kritzerland, MTG (18 concerts) and Dean Mora and his Orchestra (20+ years). Film/TV: “Pushing Dead” (Best Feature, Frameline), “Gods and Generals,” “Star Trek: Voyager.” Training: Juilliard.

Ashleigh Kovach has dreamt of being a Nun in the Sound of Music since she was a little girl. A graduate of NYU’s Program in Educational Theatre, she now works as an art department coordinator for television. Ashleigh is in her 8th season singing with the Long Beach Chorale & Chamber Orchestra and currently serves as Board President, a position she’s held for the past 2 years.

Andrea Lara Bio to come

Becca Last is thrilled to be back at MTW after performing in The Wizard of Oz. She has played Gretl and Marta in previous productions and is excited for round 3 of The Sound of Music! Additional theater credits include Once (Ivonka) at Laguna Playhouse and CCAE, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at La Mirada Theatre and A Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim) at Highlands. TV: Disney’s “RoboGobo” and the upcoming series “Miffy” IG: @itsbeccalast

Adam Lendermon is thrilled to return to MTW where he was last seen as Matthews in Elf. Tours: Cats and West Side Story. Off Broadway: The Anthem. Regional: Singin’ In The Rain (La Mirada Theatre- Ovation nomination), Ragtime (Sacramento Music Circus), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), HMS Pinafore (Guthrie Theater), Children of Eden in concert (Kennedy Center), and A Chorus Line (Maltz Jupiter Theatre). TV: “American Horror Story”, “Perry Mason”, “The Goldbergs”. Thanks to MTA and Lohne/Graham Management. @adamlendermon

Brianna Liddi Bio to come

Brook Lord (Nun’s Chorus) is delighted to be making her Regional Theatre debut in The Sound Of Music. Brook is eighteen and is studying Musical Theatre at The Colburn Conservatory Of Music. Her past roles include Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde, Maria Von Trapp in The Sound Of Music, Katherine Plumber in Newsies and Lina Lamont in Singin’ In The Rain. She is grateful to her friends and family for their love and support and would like to thank all those involved in this production.

Brian Kim McCormick Bio to come

Adrienne Amanda Morrow (Luisa) is thrilled to make her MTW debut! Credits include: Matilda (Lavender), King and I (Royal Child) [McCoy Rigby Entertainment / La Mirada]; School of Rock (Freddy), A Christmas Story (Ensemble) [Tuacahn], Mary Poppins (Jane Banks), A Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim) [Rose Center Theater]. OCSA MT 2025. IG: @adrienneamorrow

Christine Negherbon Bio to come

Cathy Newman Bio to come

Maisie Oliveros is so thrilled to be back performing with MTW (Lollipop Guild from The Wizard of Oz)! I’m 10 years old and love to sing. I  have been singing on stage since I was 3.  My most memorable performance was singing On My Own at Carnegie Hall for a recital.  I also play softball and tennis.

Mikki Pagdonsolan Bio to come

Josh Protzmann (Friedrich) is excited to be back on stage with MTW, where he previously appeared in Oliver! (Fagin’s gang/workhouse boy).  Recent credits include Seussical the Musical (Horton) and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown).  He is thankful to God and Orange County Song and Dance for training and performance opportunities!

Brandon Keith Rogers (Rolf) Credits include;  TV/Film: Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, FX’s Dave, Hustling. National Tours: Eoin Colfer’s NÖEL, GREASE (RCCL). Regional: Tony Manero in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (Moonlight Stage), Tony in WEST SIDE STORY (Flat Rock Playhouse and 5 Star Theatricals & Swing at Barrington Stage),  Asher, u/s Joseph in JOSEPH…! and the Escapologist in MATILDA (La Mirada), Henry in DAMN YANKEES (MT West), JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY REUNION (Guggenheim NYC), & Billy Lawlor in 42ND STREET (Palace Theatre).  BFA Musical Theatre from Point Park University. IG/TikTok @brandonkeithrogers.

Chuck Sculla Bio to come

Holly Santiago is so excited to be making her MTW debut! Recent credits: Hope Hartcourt in Anything Goes (SDMT) and Pauline in Saturday Night Fever (Moonlight Amphitheater). Other favorites: u/s Portia/ensemble in Something Rotten (Moonlight), Pilar in Legally Blonde (Candlelight Pavilion), and Martha in Spring Awakening (Fullerton College). She’s currently starring in Hey Tenny! – a newly premiered children’s series by the producers of Baby Shark. Search “Hey Tenny” on YouTube! Thank you friends and family for continuing to cheer her on. IG/tiktok: @heyhollysantiago



Bellami Soleil Smith (Brigitta von Trapp) Excited for her MTW Debut! Theatre: Jane Banks in Mary Poppins (Rose Center Theater), Marta von Trapp in The Sound of Music (Camino Real Playhouse), Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical (McCoy Rigby), Verruca Salt in Willy Wonka and Young Simba in The Lion King (Red Hill Performing Arts). 

Kevin Symons Bio to come

Gabrielle Tresler began her musical career as a choral musician, performing with Seraphic Fire, Spire, True Concord, Bach Collegium San Diego, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.  Gabrielle’s musical theater credits have included The Light in the Piazza and Little Women at Cabrillo Playhouse, HMS Pinafore and A Bronx Tale at Stage Door Repertory Theatre,  Altogether Now! and A Gentleman’s Guide To Love & Murder at the Curtis Theatre, and Guys & Dolls at Newport Theatre Arts Center.

Taj Young Bio to come

Joy Weiser is delighted to be back on stage with Musical Theater West. She performed in the Ensemble of Sweeney Todd. Other roles include, The Witch, Into the Woods; Norina, Don Pasquale, Papagena, Magic Flute; Duchess of Plaza Toro, The Gondoliers.  She auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” Season 8 and advanced to the top 50 out of 75,000 acts. Her album, Below the Surface is available on Youtube.  www.joyweiser.com

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