FPAC’s The Sound of Music Begins Rehearsal in NYC

Rehearsals have begun for the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)’s The Sound of Music, running at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA October 14-23.

This past weekend, the seven local children cast as the von Trapp family traveled to New York City to rehearse with director Raye Lynn Mercer, music director Hallie Wetzell, choreographer Christopher Rice-Thomson (Broadway’s Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman, Hamilton on tour), as well as their leading lady Sara Jean Ford (Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, CATS, How to Succeed…, A Little Night Music, Finian’s Rainbow) who will star as Maria. 

The local children portraying the von Trapps: Tatiana McAlpine (Liesl), Mason Sanford (Friedrich), Finley Doherty (Louisa), Julian DiChiara (Kurt), Aida DiChiara (Brigitta), Colette Lelievre (Marta), and Catherine Cornwell (Gretl) with John Fitzhenry as Rolf Gruber

Additionally, the children, Ford, and cast members Nick Paone, Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Broadway’s Hairspray and Finian’s Rainbow), Jillian Paige, and John Fitzhenry participated in a promotional photo shoot in Central Park’s Conservatory Garden with NYC photographer Emily Croft. 

The von Trapp family will be played by FPAC Apprentices Tatiana McAlpine (Liesl), Mason Sanford (Friedrich), Finley Doherty (Louisa), Julian DiChiara (Kurt), Aida DiChiara (Brigitta), Colette Lelievre (Marta), and Catherine Cornwell (Gretl) with John Fitzhenry as Rolf Gruber. 

Broadway's Sara Jean Ford rehearsing
as Maria with the von Trapp kids

The Sound of Music runs October 14-23 at THE BLACK BOX. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. 

The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulant who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. 

The Franklin Performing Arts Company at THE BLACK BOX is a professional Equity theater producing musicals, plays, and more, featuring Broadway stars, professional and regional performers, and emerging artists. 

For tickets and more information, visit THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.