The Sound of Music

The following is the director's note I wrote for the program-

"When I was a little girl, one of my earliest memories was watching “The Sound of Music” and singing along with Julie Andrews while dancing around my living room. I think, for most of us, our first introduction to musicals is this timeless tale of family, courage and love. I have always had a special place in my heart for the Von Trapp family- and this particular musical. I love the message of light in the darkness and standing up for your beliefs in the midst of great opposition.

Working on this show has been such a journey for me. But, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the sacrifice, creativity, and support from countless people. First a huge thank you to my fellow performing arts teachers- Dr. Mark Pearce, Kelley Allred and Josh Miller. I am so fortunate to be able to work with such talented and amazing artists! Thank you to Mike Virgin for spending so many hours (right after his knee surgery) building the sets and listening as I tell him- “Oh there’s just one more thing that needs to be built…” Jeremy Tritchler for stepping in and lending a helping hand with the set construction- Ranleigh Johnson for painting the set- Nick Cornish for coming back to help with lights and Tyler Barber for managing stage left. The many students and parents who spent their Saturdays with me making stained glass windows out of cellophane, painting rocks and doing the finishing touches to make the show beautiful.

To the parents- thank you for the costumes, the rehearsal treats, the props and allowing your child to be a part of this amazing journey. Thank you for trusting me to teach your child.

To my family- for their love, support and humor and especially to my sister Annelise Murphy. Without her, the show would not have been ready in time. She graciously lent us her microphones from her company, Poison Ivy Mysteries, and spent hours with the students making sure they know how to make the sound work. I am so grateful that she has sacrificed her time, talent and energy for this show.

And finally- my students. It is for them that I do what I do. I have LOVED going on this journey with them. They are truly incredible people and I am so humbled to be their teacher. So thank you to my yahoos- for their talent, dedication, love, humor, concern, diligence, sacrifice, kindness and fearlessness.

Enjoy the show."

It was an amazing experience, as it usually is. There is something so magical about creating a moment, creating a glimpse into another world and taking an audience on a journey. Giving students a moment to shine, a moment to grow, a moment to sacrifice and a moment to love. It truly is amazing-

And now some pictures-