Release: The Sound of Music

For Immediate Release
The Sound of Music at Franklin Park
May 28, 2012

The Loudoun foothills are alive with the Sound of Music and more than the family Von Trapp is involved.

As Growing Stage grows up, their summer music theatre camp expands and is attracting families to audition for its community musical theatre production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s famous hit. Though the show rehearses September and October, auditions have been taking place in May and June and enthusiasm has been high with more than 70 children auditioning for Von Trapp family singers. Directors look forward to hearing their parents and other adults in the community on June 4th.

“This is such a great opportunity for families to perform together. What better experience than to sing and dance with your children?” said director Karlah Louis.

“Rather than an evening where everyone goes in separate directions, some families will make the theatre their home for the night, singing together in harmony,” said music director Ann Stewart.

This isn’t the first time Stewart and Louis have worked together. For the past two years they’ve paired to direct two of Harmony Middle School’s musicals. And Louis also brings in 35 years of professional experience and the honor of winning the prestigious Helen Hayes Award.

Laura Roden, a mother of two Harmony actors and volunteer parent now looks forward to auditioning for the nuns’ chorus and singing with her two daughters. “Community theatre is great because it gives adults an opportunity to go beyond their day jobs and pursue artistic passions that have perhaps taken a “back seat” to jobs and kids.” After one teenager auditioned, Karlah encouraged his dad to come out and play a German officer. Though a little nervous and excited, dad was flattered and began speaking with a German accent for the next two days and brushing up on his “Edelweiss.”

For the adults who think that one of their “favorite things” might include singing and acting, they can audition June 4 from 6-9 at Franklin Park Performing Arts Center. Experienced actors as well as wanna-bes are welcomed. Adult females should prefer 16 measures of “Sound of Music,” or “Climb Every Mountain.” Adult males should prepare “Edelweiss.” After hearing children from Loudoun audition, Louis remarked, “If this is a sign about the talent in Western Loudoun, I can’t wait to hear some of their parents next week!” admired Louis.

For kids and parents alike, performing together at Franklin Park is a dream come true. “When my oldest daughter was 2, she helped raise the framework on the Performing Arts Center,” explained Stewart. “At the time I dreamed our family would perform in that theatre together. Now almost 13 years later, it’s hard to believe that I’ll be directing the music for that production.”
And if listening to the sound of music is your preference, buy tickets for the performances on October 19-21 at the Franklin Park Performing Arts Center and watch the Loudoun families in action.

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