The Henegar Center is alive with 'The Sound of Music'

Brevard audiences are about to be serenaded by the classic melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music," as the Henegar Center presents the beloved musical. The show, as familiar as raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, opens Friday, Jan. 19 for a run through Feb. 11.

While most people need no introduction to the popular musical, the story - based on true events from the memoir of Maria von Trapp, "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" - follows Maria, an exuberant young governess who brings music and joy back to the broken von Trapp family as the Nazis gain power in 1938 Austria.

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II adapted the von Trapp family's story into a musical in 1959, and the following year "The Sound of Music" won five Tony Awards. It was then adapted into an Academy Award-winning movie starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in 1965. Since then, it has become a favorite staple of theater stages and living rooms alike.

The Henegar's production promises an evening of nostalgia, melody and the timeless von Trapp family spirit.

"The story of 'The Sound of Music' has stood the test of time as it's still relevant in our pop culture and has seen many revivals on Broadway," said Jared Sierra, the Henegar's associate artistic director.

"It is a reminder that where there are dark forces, there are also many good forces at play and we can certainly use more hope and goodness in the world today."

The Henegar Center has assembled a talented cast to tell the story, including two actors sharing the role of Maria, the heart and soul of any "Sound of Music" production. Kayla Canada and Bethany Soule will each put their spin on the iconic character.

"We have an immensely talented cast who have worked with an incredibly gifted production team to bring these characters to life in a way that feels honest to the material and have captured the essence of all the things we love about classic musical theater," Sierra said. "The cast is made up of many Henegar regulars who we love, but also includes a wide array of new faces."

Sierra said the cast and production team have a love for the show that will shine in the final product.

"We have tried to capture all the things we love about and associate with the musical onstage, and have added a few new surprises that keep the musical fresh while staying true to the story."

And then, of course, there's the music. "The Sound of Music" boasts a soundtrack that has stood the test of time, featuring familiar favorites like "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Edelweiss" and "Climb Every Mountain."

But whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of musical theater, the Henegar's production promises an evening of heartwarming nostalgia and a reminder that some stories are timeless, no matter how many times you've heard them.

If you go

'The Sound of Music'

Where: The Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 11

Tickets: Start at $37

Info: 321-723-8698

Website: henegarcenter.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'The Sound of Music' soars at The Henegar Center