Sound of a Lifetime Dream

Karyne Levy was a “Sound of Music” kid. As a child in Foster City, she loved singing all the songs of that musical. Now, Levy realizes a lifetime dream taking the role as Maria in Hillbarn Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music” performing May 5 to June 5.

“Having read Maria Augusta von Trapp’s diary, I find that I can really identify with her. Maria was tomboyish and projected herself as a strong willed, opinionated person, like I am,” Levy said. “She was very extreme in everything she did, and also very inspiring. I want to portray her as realistically as I can.

Written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, with music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, the musical opened on Broadway on November 16 1959, followed by the movie version in 1965.

In Salzburg, Austria in 1937, Maria, studying to be a nun, is sent from her convent to be the governess of the seven children of a widowed naval commander, Captain Georg Ritter von Trapp. The children, hostile and mischevious, come to like her, and Maria finds herself falling in love with the Captain. Meanwhile, the Nazis take power in Austria and want the Captain back in service. In a dramatic climax, the hills are alive with the sound of music.
Levy’s first acting experience was at Bowditch Middle School under Virginia Musante in “Good News.” Later, while taking musical theatre classes from Brad Friedman at San Mateo High School, she was Maggie Jones in “42nd Street.”

…Our goal is to have people leave their world for a few hours, become involved and enjoy the performance.” The production crew includes scenic design by Lee Basham; lighting design by Don Coluzzi; costumes by Maeb Heagarty- Matos; and Jessica Schiavoni as stage manager.

Hillbarn Theatre is located at 1285 East Hillsdale blvd. In Foster City. Tickets are $17 to $28. For more information, call 349-6411, or visit www.hillbarntheatre.org

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