Set in Austria in 1938, the inspirational story is based on the lives of the Von Trapp Family Singers.
The stage story is different from the screen version but still includes the beloved songs that made the
1965 movie a legend with "Climb Every Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Edelweiss," "Do-Re-Mi," and "Sixteen Going on Seventeen."
The classic story of love unfolds amidst the music, laughter, and the threat of war. The family von Trapp
eventually finds its way to new life and freedom while learning the importance of remaining true to itself.
The Sound of Music showcases a cast of talented performers from both New Jersey and
Pennsylvania. Playing the role of Maria Ranier, a postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, is Gina Scurato of
Harmony Township. Ms. Scurato is a graduate of Thomas Edison State College, and has performed
leading roles in such shows as Funny Girl, and The Miracle Worker. Jeff Gilbert
, of Stroudsburg, plays the role of Captain Georg von Trapp. Gilbert is a veteran of many Country Gate
productions including Teahouse of the August Moon and 1776. In the role of The Mother Abbess is Jill Margolis, of Kingston.
She was featured in Country Gate's A Christmas Carol as well as G: With A Little Help From Her Friends.
Elsewhere she has performed in such shows Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods, and A Little Night Music
. John Musarra, of Belvidere, is cast in the role of Max Detweiler, the Captain's openly-mooching
house guest. Musarra has appeared in many Country Gate productions, most recently, Deathtrap.
Brenda Kull, of Oxford, plays the role of Elsa Schraeder, the Captain's pre-Maria love interest.
Ms. Kull was last seen as psychic Helga ten Dorp in Deathtrap.
The von Trapp children are major characters in The Sound of Music. They are portrayed as follows: Betsy Mazza, Natalie Gilbert , and Brian Gilbert, all of Stroudsburg, as Gretl, Marta, and Kurt, respectively; Jenna Tshudy of Belvidere, as Brigitta,; Marissa Duignam of Nazareth, as Louisa; Tyler Ringland of Roseto, as Friedrich; and Marisa Delmore of Easton, as Liesl. Evan Sullivan , of Easton , who plays the role of Rolf Gruber, Liesl's love interest. is making his stage debut in The Sound of Music . Also performing in featured roles are: Tassy Gilbert, of Stroudsburg, as Sister Berthe, Mistress of Novices; Marilou Tshudy, of Belvidere, as Sister Margaretta, Mistress of Postulants; Deb Jacoby , of Easton, as Sister Sophia; Vinny Foti, of Stewartsville , as Franz, the butler; and JoAnn Mazza, of Stroudsburg, as Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper.
Other cast members include: Stephen Matuszek, Mike Wetmore, Linda Benton, Dianne Duignam,
Maria Stein, Barb Wetmore, Beth Riker, Mel Molinari, Jen Yomeisin, Helen Titlow, Judy Perry,
and Laila Liepins.
All seats are reserved at $15 with group rates available and can be reserved by
contacting Country Gate at (908) 475-1104 or by visiting the theatre website at
www.countrygate.org