The Sound of Music

THEATRE UNDER THE STARS
www.TUTS.com
Frank M. Young, Founder and Producing Artistic Director
John C. Breckenridge, President and CEO

The Hills are Alive with...

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

December 8 - 20, 2009
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Theatre Under The Stars Brings A Holiday Family Classic!

Houston TX......Seven rambunctious children and the most irreverent nun ever to kick a habit lend their playfulness to the holidays at Theatre Under The Stars, welcoming your family into theirs, with The Sound Of Music.. This classic show for all ages is sure to be one of "your favorite things," at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts from December 8-20, 2009!

The final musical written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, The Sound Of Music is based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp, "The True Story Of The Trapp Family Singers," which follows the Trapp family as they leave Austria to escape Nazi persecution. In 1956, a German film documenting the family's tale was released, sparking plans for a stage version by American TV and Broadway producer/director Vincent Donehue who envisioned a feature role for theatre star Mary Martin. Just three short years later, The Sound of Music opened to rave reviews on Broadway with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse and music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

The immortal film version of the musical, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, was released in 1965. Winner of five Oscars, including Best Picture, this show is one of only four movie/musicals which also won Broadway's Best Musical Tony Award. Cherished songs including "Edelweiss," "The Sound of Music," "Lonely Goatherd," "Do Re Mi," and "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," shape an uplifting and beloved score which has thrived for nearly five decades. This holiday season, share this prized musical experience with someone you love. Your "heart will be blessed"...and you'll "sing once more!"

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

In celebration of The Sound of Music, Theatre Under The Stars offers a number of special events and opportunities.

´ The Sound of Music on the Big Screen: Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 - View a rare 35 mm screening of the movie at the Angelika Film Center! Begins at 7:00 p.m.

o The Sound Of Music sing-a-long offers something special in the shape of interactive prop-bags (a'la The Rocky Horror Picture Show) for audience participation. Viewers will have confetti party-poppers for the climactic first kiss between Maria and Captain Von Trapp and a souvenir invitation to the Captain's Ball among other novel and interactive items.

´ Dinner & Theatre Package: Wednesday, Dec. 9 and 16 at Lancaster Hotel.

o These packages are available online only at TUTS.com.

´ First Thursday Cabaret: Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009.

o A post-show event with OUT@TUTS (our GLBT friends) at Artista Restaurant.

´ Have Breakfast with Santa at the Downtown Aquarium: Saturdays Dec. 12 and 19. Featuring a scrumptious breakfast buffet, watch as Scuba Santa spreads his holiday cheer and meet other mascots from the Downtown Aquarium.

o Musical selection performed by the Von Trapp kids.

o Enjoy a full day pass to the Aquarium adventure exhibit featuring exciting exhibits such as the white tigers and the shark voyage.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Tickets (starting at $24) are available on-line at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-8887 (713) 558-8887 , outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882 (888) 558-3882 , or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, (800 Bagby at Walker, Mon-Fri 10a.m.-6p.m, Sat-Sun 11a.m.-4p.m.) An audio described performance is available Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 2 p.m.; open captioning Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 7:30p.m. The Hobby Center is wheelchair accessible. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more and may be purchased by calling (713) 558-8888 (713) 558-8888 or via email at groupsales@tuts.com.

George Dvorsky as Baron Von Trapp in TUTS' 2009 production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

The Sound Of Music also marks the last opportunity for TUTS patrons to purchase a Pick 4 Mini-Subscription for the 2009-2010 season. New Pick 4 subscriptions are available online at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS, outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882 (888) 558-3882 , or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office (800 Bagby at Walker). For a full season brochure, call Theatre Under The Stars at (713) 558-2600 (713) 558-2600 . Discounted group subscriptions of 15 or more are also available by calling (713) 558-8888 (713) 558-8888 .

TUTS would like to thank Cokinos Bosein & Young, ConocoPhillips, and Spectra Energy for their generous sponsorship of The Sound of Music.

For all of Theatre Under The Stars' 2009-2010 shows, air transportation is provided by Continental Airlines, the official airline of Theatre Under The Stars. Additional support is provided by St. Luke's Episcopal Health System, the Official Healthcare Partner of Theatre Under The Stars. Media sponsors include ABC-13 and Houston Chronicle. Season support is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Theater District Association and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

"Sixteen Going On Seventeen" Liesl Von Trapp played by Jessica Ferguson kisses her beau in TUTS' 2009 production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Founded in 1968, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is Houston's acclaimed non-profit musical theatre company and is currently under the direction of President and CEO John C. Breckenridge. TUTS was the first theatrical organization in Houston to perform free to the public in 1968 at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park, and is the only Houston arts organization that has performed there free to the public every year since the building opened. Since its founding by Frank M. Young, TUTS has produced more than 300 musicals including many local, national and world premieres such as Kopit and Yeston's Phantom, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jekyll & Hyde, and Irving Berlin's White Christmas. TUTS has also produced international tours including Debbie Reynolds in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Juliet Prowse in Mame, Robert Goulet in Man of La Mancha, as well as critically acclaimed local re-inventions of classics such as Cabaret and Les Miserables. As a way to continue the tradition of musical theatre, TUTS' Humphreys School of Musical Theatre provides instruction and stage experience for more than 1,700 students annually through both The Academy and The Studio, which allow students to flourish in a year-round schedule of classes. Housed in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, TUTS also annually presents the Tommy Tune Awards, honoring the best and brightest in Houston's high school musical theatre programs.

(L-R) Kim Huber as Maria and TUTS veteran Susan Shofner as Mother Abbess in TUTS' 2009 production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Meet the Principal Cast Members
of The Sound of Music

Rehearsals are in full swing for our holiday production of The Sound of Music. This production is full of familiar faces to TUTS and to Houston. We’d like to share with you the rest of the principal cast members.

Opposite Huber in the role of Baron Von Trapp is George Dvorsky who returns to TUTS after starring in A Wonderful Life (2007), 110 In The Shade (2006), Anything Goes (2005,1989) and Brigadoon (2004, 1993) He most recently starred at the Hobby Center as Baron Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

In the role of Mother Abbess is 14-show TUTS veteran, Susan Shofner, who has been seen in Disney’s When You Wish, A Wonderful Life, Anything Goes, and Beauty And The Beast.

Houston native Doris Davis plays Elsa Schraeder and is happily returning to TUTS after performing in Into The Woods with Leslie Uggams (2000).

Rounding out the cast are Steve Bullitt as Franz, Al Bundonis as Herr Zeller, Kevin Cooney as Oberst Von Scheriber, Ryan Kennedy as Rolf, and Theresa Nelson as Frau Schmidt.

The Sound of Music is sponsored by Cokinos, Bosien & Young, ConocoPhillips, and Spectra Energy. Media sponsors are Houston Chronicle and ABC-13.

Deck the Halls with Downtown’s
Second Annual Holiday Spectacular!

Celebrate holiday traditions with the Theater District’s shows including The Sound of Music, shopping, entertainment, dining and ice skating at Discovery Green.

Park once and let the Free Holiday Trolleys do the rest—they connect all of downtown’s holiday destinations and will roll every weekend from Thanksgiving through New Years weekend. Go here for more details .

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Theatre Under The Stars

Cast Loaded With Locals For

The Sound of Music

December 8 - 20, 2009!

Houston TX.......Theatre Under The Stars casting for The Sound Of Music is bursting with local talent! Seven rambunctious children and the most irreverent nun ever to kick a habit lend their playfulness to the holidays, welcoming your family into theirs. This classic show for all ages, playing at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts from December 8-20, 2009 is sure to be one of "your favorite things!"

Kim Huber as Maria in TUTS' 2009 production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

This energetic cast features a host of new faces and a long line of local talent including the roles of the seven von Trapp children, all of whom are played by students at the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT). A recent HSMT graduate, 20-year-old Jessica Ferguson is the eldest von Trapp daughter, Liesl, followed by Ryne Nardecchia in the role of Friedrich, Caroline Taylor as Louisa, Ian Tonroy as Kurt, Gabby Gillespie as Brigitta, Aiden Snasdell as Marta and Mandy Miller as Gretl.

Kim Huber as Maria and George Dvorsky as Baron Von Trapp in TUTS' 2009 production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Familiar to the TUTS stage, Kim Huber portrays Maria, the character made famous by Julie Andrews in the 1965 Oscar-winning movie. TUTS patrons may remember Huber in her role as Belle in the Beauty And The Beast and Cinderella in Into The Woods. Huber's Broadway credits include Disney's Beauty And The Beast (Belle and National Tour), Sunset Blvd, and Marie Christine. Opposite Huber in the role of Baron Von Trapp is George Dvorsky who returns to TUTS after starring in A Wonderful Life (2007), 110 In The Shade (2006), Anything Goes (2005,1989) and Brigadoon (2004, 1993) He most recently starred at the Hobby Center as Baron Bomburst in the national tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

In the role of Mother Abbess is 14-show TUTS veteran, Susan Shofner, who has been seen in Disney's When You Wish, A Wonderful Life, Anything Goes, and Beauty And The Beast. Shofner's National Tour credits include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and On the Twentieth Century. Houston native, Doris Davis plays Elsa Schraeder and is happily returning to TUTS after performing in Into The Woods with Leslie Uggams (2000). Max Detweiler is played by Ilich Guardiola, who appeared in TUTS' production of Zoro.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Rounding out the cast are Steve Bullitt as Franz, Al Bundonis as Herr Zeller, Kevin Cooney as Oberst Von Scheriber, Ryan Kennedy as Rolf, Theresa Nelson as Frau Schmidt and Misty Robertson as Fraulein Schwieger. Ensemble includes Vanessa Ballam, Monica Brown, Sam Brown, Ivy Castle, Marybelle Chaney, Tiffany Chen, Kayleen Clements, Lisa E. Harris, Marcie Henderson, John "JJ" Johnston, Richard Keck, Kristina Kee, Susan O. Koozin, Julia Laskowski, Phillip Lehl, Nicole Marosis, Sofia Mendez, Crystal O'brien, Adam Pena, Jim Shaffer, Corby Sullivan, Jay Tribble, and Jennie Welch.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

The local teen ensemble includes Brooke Humphrey, Drew Jones, Jonathan Luna, Haley Landers, Sydney Roberts, and Charity Van Tassel while the local children's ensemble includes Mallory Bechtel, Sydney Crofton, Carson Introligator, Austin Karkowsky, Sam Linda, Doreen Litvak, and Libby Malone

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

The Sound of Music creative team includes TUTS' own Roy Hamiln as director, and Shay Rodgers as choreographer, a team who recently worked together on the Southwest regional premiere of 13 The Musical.

In the role of Mother Abbess is 14-show TUTS veteran Susan Shofner. TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

The final musical written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, The Sound Of Music is based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp, "The True Story Of The Trapp Family Singers," which follows the Trapp family as they leave Austria to escape Nazi persecution. The immortal film version of the musical, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, was released in 1965. Winner of five Oscars, including Best Picture, this show is one of only four movie/musicals which also won Broadway's Best Musical Tony Award. Cherished songs include "Edelweiss," "The Sound of Music," "Lonely Goatherd," "Do Re Mi," and "Sixteen Going on Seventeen."

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

In celebration of The Sound of Music, Theatre Under The Stars offers a number of special events and opportunities.

´ The Sound of Music on the Big Screen: Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 - View a rare 35 mm screening of the movie at the Angelika Film Center! Begins at 7:00 p.m.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

´ "Dashing Duds, Discounts & Drinks, these are a few of my favorite things!"

o Shop-for-a-cause, Thursday, December 3 at Duo from 6 - 9 p.m. in celebration of TUTS' The Sound of Music.

o Guests enjoy complimentary beverages, music from DJ Falcon Valdez and a medley of songs from The Sound of Music. A portion of the evening's proceeds (25%) benefits Theatre Under The Stars!

o Hosted by Duo, UP @ TUTS (TUTS' Young Professionals group) and OUT @ TUTS (TUTS' GLBT social group).

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

´ Dinner & Theatre Package: Wednesday, Dec. 9 and 16 at Lancaster Hotel.

o These packages are available online only at TUTS.com.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

´ First Thursday Cabaret: Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009.

o A post-show event with OUT@TUTS (our GLBT friends) at Artista Restaurant.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

o Musical selection performed by the Von Trapp kids.

o Enjoy a full day pass to the Aquarium adventure exhibit featuring exciting exhibits such as the white tigers and the shark voyage.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Tickets (starting at $24) are available on-line at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-8887, outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, (800 Bagby at Walker, Mon-Fri 10a.m.-6p.m, Sat-Sun 11a.m.-4p.m.) An audio described performance is available Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 2 p.m.; open captioning Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 7:30p.m. The Hobby Center is wheelchair accessible. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more and may be purchased by calling (713) 558-8888 or via email at groupsales@tuts.com.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

The Sound Of Music also marks the last opportunity for TUTS patrons to purchase a Pick 4 Mini-Subscription for the 2009-2010 season. New Pick 4 subscriptions are available online at TUTS.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS, outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office (800 Bagby at Walker). For a full season brochure, call Theatre Under The Stars at (713) 558-2600. Discounted group subscriptions of 15 or more are also available by calling (713) 558-8888.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.

TUTS would like to thank Cokinos Bosien & Young, ConocoPhillips, and Spectra Energy for their generous sponsorship of The Sound of Music.

TUTS presents THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts December 8 - 20, 2009. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby & Walker, Houston Texas. Photo by Joan Marcus.