The Sound of Music at the Sundance Summer Theatre

(Sundance, Utah) April, 2011 -----The Sundance Summer Theatre presents the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound of Music, in
partnership with Utah Valley University, on the Eccles Outdoor Stage at Sundance Resort, July 29th-August 20th. The Sound of Music is one of the most popular Broadway musicals ever produced. Many of the songs from the play have become classics, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” Climb Every Mountain,”  “Do Ri Me,” and of course, “The Sound of Music.” The film version of the play, which starred Julie Andrews as Maria won five Academy Awards. This year’s production will be sponsored in part by the Utah Valley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

The play will be directed by Isaac Walters. Walters received his MFA in directing from Columbia University in New York City and an MBA in Arts Administration from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He received his Bachelor of Arts from BYU. He has directed numerous plays, including
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival; “Henry IV” and “A Street Car Named Desire,” among others.

“What better place to present The Sound of Music to audiences than on the Outdoor Stage at Sundance set in our own majestic mountains under a starlit sky?  We are happy to continue our partnership with Utah Valley University to bring this production to the Sundance Summer Theatre for what promises to be another successful year. To see the inspiring story of the von Trapp family told in such a spectacular setting makes it even more special,” commented Chad Linebaugh, Sundance Resort General Manager.

"Sundance will certainly be 'alive with the sound of music' this season and UVU's performers will be making those sounds. What a wonderful opportunity it will be to share a beloved and timeless musical in a perfect setting. This will truly be a season to remember!" commented Dr. K. Newell Dayley, Dean of the School of the Arts at Utah Valley University.

The Sound of Music is based on the story of the von Trapp Family Singers, who moved to America after fleeing the Nazi regime in Austria. They settled in the mountains of  Stowe,Vermont because it reminded them of their beloved Austria. Two of von Trapp brothers, Werner and Rupert, volunteered for the United States 10th Mountain Division to fight against the Nazis in Italy.  Maria’s life and the life of her family has inspired generations since The Sound of Music was first produced in 1959.   Now, this classic and inspirational story will be seen on the Outdoor Stage at Sundance set in our own majestic mountains that will be truly alive with “The Sound of Music.” The production will appear against the backdrop of Mt. Timpanogos, beginning on July 29th and ending with a final performance on August 20th; performances will be held each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights over these dates.  

The play will begin at 8:00 PM with the doors opening at 7:00 PM. Individual tickets are $20 per person.  Group tickets are $16 per person
for groups of 20 people or more.  All tickets are general admission.  

Individual tickets are available online beginning April 18th by going to sundanceresort.com and clicking on Events, and on June 6th when the Sundance Ticket Office opens for the summer season by calling toll free 866-734-4428.

Group tickets are on sale now and may be purchased by telephone only. Please call toll free 866-734-4428 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.  A barbecue dinner will also be available beginning at 6:30 PM. Cost of the barbecue is $15 for individuals and $12.50 for groups and may be purchased along with theater tickets.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION:
The Sound of Music
Utah Valley University Department of Theatrical Arts
Director: Isaac Walters
Producers:  James Arrington and Mari Turner
Department Chair:  Dr. K. Newell Dayley
Executive Producer: Chad Linebaugh, General Manager, Sundance Resort

Casting for The Sound of Music will be held April 22 and 29 and on
April 30th for children and teens. Details are as follows,

Open Call:
April 22 & 29: 6-9 p.m.
April 30: 2-4 p.m.
Prepare to sing 16 bars of a song.  An accompanist will be provided.

Open Call for Children and Teens
April 30: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Prepare to sing a song from the show.

All auditions will be in the Whitebox - GT 631 on the UVU Campus.

If you have questions about the auditions, contact Melissa Larson at
319-400-2068 or by email at mel_leilani@me.com.

ABOUT SUNDANCE RESORT
    Nestled at the base of 12,000-foot Mt. Timpanogos, Sundance
Resort is a 5,000-acre community preserve dedicated to maintaining the
balance of art, nature and community.  Sundance Resort offers diverse
mountain recreation experiences and encourages the cultivation of art
and self-expression, as well as the preservation of the land.  Created
by Robert Redford, Sundance is a haven for discovery and inspiration.
The Sundance family of companies includes the Sundance Resort, Sundance
Institute, Sundance Channel, Sundance Cinemas and Sundance Catalog.  For
more information on Sundance, call 801-225-4107 or visit our website,
www.sundanceresort.com.

Lucy Ridolphi
Marketing and PR Manager
801-223-4071