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November 30 - December 17, 2023

Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse

Directed by Dennis Lickteig

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The Sound of Music

“Love, family, and hope are the hallmarks of any great holiday season, and “The Sound of Music” has all three qualities in abundance.”

The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Every 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 postulate 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.

In My Opinion
by Alan Hafter

Cast & Production

Show Cast

*Actors appear courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association

MariaSophia Alawi*
Ensemble, Frau Schmidt u/sDee Baily
Sister Berthe, Frau SchmidtLauren Biglow
EnsembleShaneen Black
ElsaStephanie Case
LieslChloe Fong
MartaAraceli Grace
Louisa u/sMia Hangai
EnsembleDavid Issel
KurtLeo Itzkovitz
Mother Abbess, Frau ZellerSarah Jebian
Sister SofiaSydney Lanae
Captain Georg Von TrappJared Lee*
FranzRobert Lopez
GretlKaylee Lopez
FriedrichJosh Parecki
Kurt u/sGianni D. Petty
Ensemble, Maria u/sSamantha Rich
BrigittaMcKenna Rose
LouisaSofia Rose
MaxBrad Satterwhite
Postulant, Liesl u/sSheridan Stewart
Brigitta u/sSabrina Watson
Sister MargarettaBrian Weaver
EnsembleAdam Weaver
RolfNicki Weppner
Marta u/sSybil Wyatt
Gretl u/sStella Wyatt
Creative team
DirectorDennis Lickteig
Music DirectorDebra Lambert
ChoreographerJayne Zaban
Stage ManagerMarie Shell*
Asst. Stage ManagerLex Rosenberg
Set DesignerHunter Jameson
Lighting DesignerSarina Renteria
Asst. Lighting DesignerCharlie Mejia
Sound DesignerJoshua Price
Costume DesignerStephanie Ditterbern
Costume AssistantCourtney Morgan
Props MasterPaulino DeLeal
Intimacy CoordinatorMaya Herbsman
Master ElectricianAya Matsutomo
TD/Master CarpenterEric Olson
Carpenter/Scenic ArtistPaulino DeLeal
Scenic ArtistLucretia Froke
Production AssistantLouise Martensson

Headshots & Bios

Sophia Alawi*
Dee Baily
Lauren Biglow
Shaneen Black
Stephanie Case
Chloe Fong
Araceli Grace
Mia Hangai
David Issel
Leo Itzkovitz
Sarah Jebian
Sydney Lanae
Jared Lee*
Robert Lopez
Kaylee Lopez
Josh Parecki
Gianni D. Petty
Samantha Rich
McKenna Rose
Sofia Rose
Brad Satterwhite
Sheridan Stewart
Sabrina Watson
Brian Weaver
Adam Weaver
Nicki Weppner
Sybil Wyatt
Stella Wyatt

*Actors appear courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association

Gallery

Thank you to our season sponsor

In My Opinion

By Alan Hafter

If I had the opportunity to see just one musical, it would be The Sound of Music. It is one of the best musicals of all time. The Sound of Music has been capturing the hearts of audiences for decades. The Hillbarn Theatre’s remarkably talented cast will leave audiences of all ages in awe.

The Sound of Music, based on the real-life story of the von Trapp Family, is pure, heartwarming family entertainment. Yet, it takes place during the time when the German Reich and Hitler were usurping and invading other countries. In spite of that, the show maintains a strangely gentle charm that is wonderfully endearing. It’s full of spectacle and beauty, realistic characterizations and gorgeous music. It was the final collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein Il. It’s an excellent first musical experience for our young audiences and will likely become a favorite.

The production touches on the love of family how music can transcend all barriers. The lyrics and dialogue are memorable and stay with you in the most positive way. I recommend our patrons “climb every mountain” to see this wonderful production —a true American classic of the musical stage.

I rate it “G”.

Sophia Alawi

MARIA

Sophia (she/her/hers) is thrilled to making her Hillbarn Theatre Debut! She won the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle award for Best Featured Actress – Musical in 2019 for Groundhog Day The Musical and was named one of “Five Standout Performances” in 2019 by the Houston Chronicle for the role of Wendla in Spring Awakening. Regional credits include As You Like It, Twelfth Night and Groundhog Day the Musical (San Francisco Playhouse), Spring Awakening (Theater Under the Stars), She Loves Me, Merrily We Roll Along, Fun Home (42nd Street Moon), and In the Heights (Playhouse on Park). New York credits include Fat Kid Rules the World and Emerson Loses Her Mind. TV credits include “Law & Order: SVU.” Sophia earned a BFA from Rider University and also studied at T Schreiber, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and The Barrow Group in New York. Sophia Alawi is also a screenwriter and playwright. Follow her and her series on instagram! @Hayawanseries @sophiaintronaalawi

Dee Baily

Nun/Ensemble and Frau Schmidt u/s

Dee (she/her) appears regularly in musicals, plays, and operettas in many Bay Area companies, including Palo Alto Players, Foothill Music Theatre, Lyric Theatre of San Jose. Roles include: Domina (Funny…Forum); Jack’s Mother (Into the Woods); Eulalie MacKechnie Shinn (Music Man); Fairy Queen (Iolanthe); Lady Jane (Patience); Old Lady (Candide and Sunday in the Park with George (understudies); The Nurse (Romeo & Juliet); Ouiser Boudreaux (Steel Magnolias); and The Queen (Cymbeline).

Lauren Biglow

Sister Berthe / Frau Schmidt

(she/her) Born and raised in Los Altos, Lauren’s first musical theater production was “Fiddler on the Roof” at Peninsula Youth Theatre (2007). She later studied Voice and Opera at Northwestern University (Class of 2016), going on to sing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Symphony, and the Chicago Bach Project. Since earning two master’s degrees from Middlebury in Spanish Translation/Interpretation, she freelances in the Bay Area, currently singing with Volti SF and Convivium (Los Altos). 

Shaneen Black

Nun/Ensemble

Shaneen (she/her) is delighted to be working alongside such a talented cast. Some of her favorite past roles include: “Crystal” in Little Shop of Horrors (Ohlone College and South San Francisco High School), “Lauren” (in an Illumeably Short Film), and “Marya” in The Government Inspector (Ohlone College). She is also looking forward to her upcoming project directing The Last Five Years (Sunnyvale Community Players).

Stephanie Case

Elsa

Stephanie (she/her/hers) is delighted to return to Hillbarn after appearing previously in A Little Night Music, Funny Girl, and Ragtime. Other local shows include Curtains (Georgia Fox) at Woodside Community Theater, Guys and Dolls (General Cartwright), and Oliver! (Mrs. Sowerberry), both at Broadway By the Bay. Heartfelt thanks to Dennis, Debra, and Steve for the opportunity, and to husband Trey Wyatt for making it possible.

Chloe Fong

Liesl

Chloe (she/her/hers) is beyond the excited to be joining the cast of The Sound of Music at Hillbarn. Chloe is a 17 year old based in San Francisco. Recent credits include, Flounder in The Little Mermaid (SCP), Little Red Riding Hood in Into The Woods (SI), Baby Louise in Gypsy in Concert (BAM), and Fredricka in A Little Night Music (42nd St Moon). She would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support!

Araceli Grace

Marta

Araceli (she/her) is excited to be making her Hillbarn Theatre debut. Past roles include Matilda in Matilda the Musical (Palo Alto Players and StarStruck Theatre), Lavender in Matilda the Musical (Royal Theater Academy), Fannie in Mary Poppins (Grand Performing Arts), and Lost Boy in Peter Pan (Grand Performing Arts). Araceli has trained with Broadway Artists Alliance, Howard Fine Acting Studio, and Broadway Kids Auditions. IG: @araceligraceofficial

Mia Hangai

Louisa u/s

Mia (she/her) is ecstatic to be in her first mainstage! She has been singing and dancing ever since she was little and she has started to make her transition into actress rather recently. She has been in a handful full of productions before including Seussical (Cat) Beauty and the Beast (Beast) along with many more. She would love to thank Ms. Lani for introducing her to the wonderful life of theatre!

David Issel

Ensemble

David (he/him) is happy to be back onstage in his 5th Hillbarn show. He previously appeared in the ensembles of The Producers, Clue, Newsies and Annie and has supported multiple shows and companies as ASM and on crew. Thanks to Rosie, Taryn and Chris for your support!

Leo Itzkovitz

Kurt

Leo (he/him) is 11 years old and in 6th grade at Abbott Middle School. You may have seen him last season in Hillbarn’s productions of Gypsy and Assassins. Most recently, he performed in the Conservatory’s production of Seussical. Leo also enjoys kung fu, soccer, and online gaming. He thanks the Directorial Team for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show!

Sarah Jebian

Mother Abbess / Frau Zeller

Sarah (she/hers) is thrilled to return to the Hillbarn stage after a 25 year absence. Past Hillbarn credits include Closer Than Ever, The Three Musketeers & A Little Night Music. Sarah met her husband Brian during Closer Than Ever and they got married on the Hillbarn stage in 1999! The couple lived and worked in NYC and DC, moving  back to the Bay Area in 2021. Sarah teaches voice in addition to her work onstage.

Sydney Lanae

Sister Sofia

This is Sydney’s (she/her) first production with Hillbarn theater and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to perform alongside such a dedicated cast & crew. She has studied at Ohlone College with one of her favorite teachers, Michael Navarra, and earned her degree in theater & performance. Shortly after, she worked with A.C.T. in their summer intensive and is currently building her commercial and film credits along side her theatre resume. To see more of her work, go to her social media accounts @sydneyylanae

Jared Lee

Captain Georg Von Trapp

Jared (he/him) makes his Hillbarn Theatre debut with The Sound of Music. Credits include the National Tour of Starlight Express, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Anatole) at San Jose Playhouse, On the Town (Gabey) at Foothill Music Theatre, King and I (King) and Flower Drum Song (Ta) at Broadway by the Bay along with appearances with American Musical Theatre of San Jose, San Jose Rep, 42nd Street Moon, Palo Alto Players, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Sacramento Theatre Company, and Sacramento Music Circus.

Robert Lopez

Franz

Robert (he/him) is excited to make his Hillbarn Debut! Bay Area credits include Next To Normal (Dan) at Sunnyvale Community Players and Bright Star (Jimmy) at TMC Arts. Mamma Mia (Sam), Guys and Dolls (Nathan), Joseph.. (Pharaoh), West Side Story (Tony) at Tri Valley Rep. Rent (Roger), Les Miserables (Marius), Sunset Blvd (Joe) at CCMT. In addition, Robert is a director for Starting Arts (Children’s Theatre) in San Jose.

Kaylee Lopez

Gretl

Kaylee (she/hers) is excited to be making her debut performance with Hillbarn Theatre. Her first theatrical performance was as a member of the Children’s Ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre) at age 4. Recently, she has played Mowgli in The Jungle Book and Toulouse in Aristocats at Starting Arts. She also competes and performs as an Irish dancer with the McBride School of Irish Dance.

Josh Parecki

Friedrich

Josh (he/him) is thrilled to be a part of this cast. His past productions include Hillbarn Theatre’s Elf, The Musical (Michael), TheatreWorks’ Ragtime (Little Boy Edgar), West Valley Light Opera’s The Addams Family (Pugsley), and Palo Alto Players’ A Christmas Story, The Musical (Ralphie). He has also appeared in productions with schools and educational theatre companies. When not acting, Josh attends high school, plays water polo, and spends time with family and friends.

Gianni D. Petty

Kurt u/s

Gianni (he/him) , is a dedicated 12-year-old student currently enrolled in the 7th grade at NSM School. He has displayed his acting prowess by portraying memorable characters such as Ugly in “Honk” and a Who in the production of “Seussical.” Gianni’s fervor for music is evident as he has committed the past five years to mastering the piano. While theater is a newfound passion, Gianni nurtures dreams of pursuing a full-time career as a stage actor in the future.

Samantha Rich

Nun/Ensemble and Maria u/s

Samantha (she/her) is thrilled to be making her Hillbarn debut! She just received her BFA in Acting from Hofstra University. Her Bay Area credits include Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley at Altarena (Mary Bennet), Man of La Mancha at Woodminster (Housekeeper), and Into the Woods at ACT’s Young Conservatory (Rapunzel). Her Hofstra credits include The Threepenny Opera (Lucy) and Woyzeck (Ensemble). She’d like to thank her family, friends, professors, and Broadfield for their endless support. samantha-rich.com

McKenna Rose

Brigitta

McKenna (she/her) is excited to make her Hillbarn debut! McKenna has performed with 42nd Street Moon in Fun Home (Small Alison) and Landmark Musicals in Annie Warbucks (CG Paterson). She has appeared onstage with Peter Pan Foundation, Performing Academy, and Orinda Intermediate School, and on camera in short films, commercials, and true crime TV on Reelz Network. She studies voice with Rena Wilson, acting with Bettina Devin, and dance at Joy in Motion. @rosesisterstoo

Sofia Rose

Louisa

Sofia (she/her) is thrilled to make her Hillbarn debut! Sofia has performed on the Berkeley Playhouse mainstage in Matilda (Nigel) and appeared in productions with Pacifica Spindrift Players, Peter Pan Foundation, Performing Academy, and Campolindo High School. Favorite roles include Little Red (Into the Woods), Jo March (Little Women), and Alex (Gift of Fear independent feature film). She studies voice with Rena Wilson, acting with Bettina Devin, and tap with Justin Cole and Renee DeWeese Moran. @rosesisterstoo

Brad Satterwhite

Max

Brad (he/him) is happy to be back at Hillbarn for the holidays. He recently appeared at Hillbarn in “Perfect Arrangement” as Bob Martindale. Other recent performances include Whizzer in “Falsettos”, Chris Bean in “The Play That Goes Wrong” and Monty in “Violet”. When not on stage, he writes under his pen name, Hal Emerson.

Sheridan Stewart

Postulant/Liesl u/s

Sheridan (she/her) is thrilled to be back at Hillbarn performing in The Sound of Music! Her favorite past credits include “Who/Featured Dancer” in Seussical (WMT), “Young Violet” in Violet (FMT), “Belle” in Beauty and the Beast Jr. (CRKT), “Ensemble” in The Music Man (PSP), “Marta von Trapp” in The Sound of Music (FMT), “Baby June” in Gypsy (PSP), and “Penny/Molly US” in Annie (HT). In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with friends.

Sabrina Watson

Brigitta Understudy

Sabrina (she/her) is 13 and in 7th grade at Castilleja School. She has previously been in Seussical (Mayzie La Bird), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Narrator, Cleopatra, Ophelia, and Hermia), and 101 Dalmations (Cruella Double #1 and Domino), all at Hillbarn, and Peter and the Starcatcher (Ensemble) at Castilleja. When she isn’t being dramatic, she enjoys most sports and shopping.

Brian Weaver

Sister Margaretta

Brian (they/them) is thrilled to perform with Hillbarn Theatre for the first time! Brian was most recently seen as Young Solange in Follies (Redwood Symphony). Other credits include 42nd Street (Stage 1 Theatre), as well as Mamma Mia!, Cendrillon, Seussical, Into the Woods, and 1776 (Notre Dame de Namur University). Brian has also worked as a choreographer and dance instructor in the Bay Area and Chicago. They received their BFA from Notre Dame de Namur University.

Adam Weaver

Ensemble

Adam (he him) is making his debut with Hillbarn Theatre. He previously performed in various high school theatre productions, where he played roles such as Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie, and Action in West Side Story. He would like to thank all of his friends and family for their support.

Nicki Weppner

Rolf

Nicki (he/they) has previously been seen in Hillbarn’s teen co as Pythio in Head over Heels. He has also been in Cinderella at Woodside High school as Prince Christopher. Nicki would like to shout out his parents for being so supportive.

Sybil Wyatt

Marta u/s

Sybil (she/her/hers) is thrilled to join Hillbarn’s production of The Sound of Music. Sybil is a third grader at the Katherine Delmar Burke School in San Francisco, where she recently played the titular role in a one-week summer production of Miss Nelson Is Missing! She studies ballet at The San Francisco Ballet School and has trained with The San Francisco Girls Chorus from age four.

Stella Wyatt

Gretl u/s

Stella (she/her/hers) is excited to join Hillbarn’s production of The Sound of Music. A first grader at the Katherine Delmar Burke School in San Francisco, she enjoys playing with her friends and negotiating with her parents for sweets. Stella studies dance at The San Francisco Ballet School and is a former member of The San Francisco Girls Chorus.

Bye Bye Brigitte

We will miss you

(Lynette “squeaky”Fromme) (she/hers) Brigitte is a native Bay Area actress and theatre maker. When Brigitte is not on the stage she is taking your calls managing the Hillbarn Box office. Brigitte Is very excited to be back performing on the Hillbarn stage with such an incredible wealth of bay area talent. Some past roles include Ensemble/swing in Kinky Boots (ROLT), Kelly Manning in The Mad Ones & Heather Chandler in Heathers (PSP), Ali in Mamma Mia (San Jose Stage Co), Poppy in Noises Off (Hillbarn Theatre), Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods (LASC).