Zac Isom, as Captain Von Trapp, embraces the Von Trapp children. Photo courtesy of Deana Fry.
Zac Isom, as Captain Von Trapp, embraces the Von Trapp children. Photo courtesy of Deana Fry.

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Hollister will come alive with “The Sound of Music” the weekend of July 11 when San Benito Stage Company brings the classic musical to the Hollister High School auditorium. Produced by Karen Firstbrook, Deana Fry and Melissa Schilling, the show will run from July 11 to July 26. 

“The cast and crew are working hard to bring this production to life, and we are thrilled with the momentum so far,” said Derek Barnes, the show’s director. 

He said rehearsals, which began in early May, have been “filled with energy, dedication and steady progress.” 

Joining Barnes in the production team are vocal director Jula Prak; choreographer Derek Barnes II; costume designer Dena Gregory; set designer Zac Isom; props coordinator Erin Isom; lighting designer Brian Murphy; and stage manager Katie Schilling.

“The Sound of Music” is set on the eve of World War II and features timeless songs such as “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” Inspired by Maria Augusta von Trapp’s 1939 memoir, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” it follows Maria as a young postulant who becomes governess to seven children of the strict Captain von Trapp. As a love story emerges between the two lead characters, the family confronts a life-changing choice amid the rise of Nazism in Austria.

Emily Douglas, as Maria, sings "The Sound of Music" in an opening number. Photo courtesy of Deana Fry.
Emily Douglas, as Maria, sings “The Sound of Music” in an opening number. Photo courtesy of Deana Fry.

“Each performance will offer its own unique charm,” Barnes said, referring to the production’s two lead casts.

Given a large number of auditioners and only seven principal roles for children, he said the decision to feature two lead casts has provided “more variety in performances and expanded opportunities for young performers.”

“With two talented casts, audiences can expect distinct interpretations, fresh energy and a truly dynamic theatrical experience,” he said. “This approach not only showcases a broader range of talent but also fosters inclusivity and gives more youth the chance to shine on stage.”

Rachel Sharpe (right), as Maria, teaches the Von Trapp children about music in "Do-Re-Mi." Photo courtesy of Deana Fry.
Rachel Sharpe (right), as Maria, teaches the Von Trapp children about music in “Do-Re-Mi.” Photo courtesy of Deana Fry.

The alternating casts will feature Emily Douglas and Rachel Sharpe as Maria, and Zac Isom and P. J. Arata as Captain von Trapp.

“We invite the public to join us in celebrating not just a show, but a community-driven effort rooted in creativity, learning and collaboration,” Barnes said.

Performances for “The Sound of Music” are July 11, 12, 18, 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and July 12 and 26 at 1 p.m. at the Hollister High School Auditorium, 1220 Monterey Street in Hollister. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 831.636.0122 or visit www.sanbenitostage.org.

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Jenny is a Hollister native who resides in her hometown with her husband and son. She attended Hollister schools, graduated from San Benito High School, and earned her BA in literature from UC Santa Cruz...