FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE & BROADCAST

June 19, 2008

Salinas, CA

Press contact: Dawn Flood

publicity@westernstage.com

Please see release for all appropriate public information

The Western Stage Presents The Sound of Music – A Cherished Family Classic

The Western Stage continues its 2008 season with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved classic The Sound of Music. Among the show’s popular standards are “Do, Re, Mi”, “My Favorite Things”, and of course, “The Sound of Music”. The Sound of Music will feature local favorite Reg Huston as Captain von Trapp, Lauren Chaney as Maria and 7 talented young performers as the von Trapp children. August 1 – 23 on the Main Stage, Hartnell College Performing Arts Center. Performances are Fri and Sat at 8pm and Sun at 2 pm. To purchase tickets, visit The Western Stage online at westernstage.com or call the box office at (831) 375-2111/(831) 755-6816. Tickets are $30 Adults and $20 Jr./Sr./Mil. (114 Words)

Salinas, CA — June 19, 2008

Loosely based on the real life story of the von Trapp family, this legendary show—the final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein—remains one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Maria, a postulant Nun, takes a temporary position as the Governess for the seven children of Captain George von Trapp. She quickly learns through the love she shares with the von Trapp family where her happiness truly lies. Yet when the Nazi party summons von Trapp back to service, their Eden in the mountains of Salzburg, Germany is suddenly in peril, forcing the clan to flee on foot through the Austrian mountains. The Sound of Music features such memorable classics as “Do, Re, Me”, “My Favorite Things”, “Climb Every Mountain”, and, of course, “The Sound of Music”. This uplifting classic is perfect fare for the entire family.

How do you solve a problem like….casting 7 young people in a musical? TWS, in continuing the mission to foster young talent, has found 7 outstanding young performers to grace the Main Stage in The Sound of Music as the charming von Trapp children.

In addition to her work with TWS Young Company, Maggie King (Liesel) has appeared in shows at Salinas High School, Saltshaker Theater, and Pacific Repertory. Ethan McDaniel (Freidrich) was last seen at TWS in Oliver! and has performed with Ariel Theatrical and Pacific Repertory. Emily Hunter (Louisa) was last seen on the Main Stage in Meet Me in St. Louis. Making his debut at TWS, Nat Perry (Kurt) has performed at Ariel and in Killeen, Texas. TWS welcomes back Katelyn Fletcher (Brigitta) where she last appeared in Meet Me in St. Louis – she has also been onstage at Ariel, MPC, and Pacific Repertory. Natalie Dawn Marie Mendoza (Marta) is also making her TWS debut– she has performed with Ariel and at Creekside Elementary School. Another TWS first-timer, C.C. Hendricks (Gretl) has performed with Carmel Ballet Academy, Carmel Academy of Performing Arts, and the Forest Theater Guild.

In addition to these special young actors, The Sound of Music will also feature local favorite, Reg Huston. Reg’s many credits with TWS include Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2004), Big River; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (2005), Kiss Me Kate (2007), and South Pacific (2007). Returning to TWS to play the high-spirited Maria is Lauren Cheney, whose most recent TWS credit is the 2004 production of Cabaret.

Don’t miss this cherished family favorite, full of familiar music and winning charm! The Sound of Music is directed by Anne Marie Hunter, with musical direction by Don Dally.

The Sound of Music plays August 1 – 23 on the Main Stage, Hartnell College Performing Arts Center. Performances are Fri and Sat at 8pm and Sun at 2 pm. Tickets are $30 Adults and $20 Jr./Sr./Mil. To purchase tickets, visit The Western Stage online at westernstage.com or call the box office at (831) 375-2111/(831) 755-6816. For a special group rate contact Ron Cacas at (831) 759-6012.