Marissa Pedersen, Eli Schroeder, Selah Filzen Etzel, Jack Lounsberry, Mariana Karfis, Gracie Cross, Edith Young, and Nathan Bates in Quad City Music Guild's “The Sound of Music" at the Prospect Park Auditorium -- November 14 through 23.
Friday, November 14, through Sunday, November 23
Prospect Park Auditorium, 1584 34th Avenue, Moline IL
One of the most venerable and beloved stage musicals of all time, The Sound of Music closes Quad City Music Guild's 2025 season with a November 14 through 23 run at Moline's Prospect Park Auditorium, the show adored by all generations for its rich characters, beautiful celebration of family, and unforgettable Rodgers & Hammerstein score boasting such iconic songs as “My Favorite Things,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” “Climb Ev'ry Mountain,” “Edleweiss,” and the unforgettable title tune.
The final collaboration between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of Music is based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, and captures a personal tale of growth and hope amidst the horrors of World War II. This timeless musical tells the tale of young postulant Maria Rainer, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules and regulations of Nonnberg Abbey. Commissioned by the Mother Abbess to serve as the governess for seven motherless children, Maria transforms the von Trapp family home from a place of dour rules and regulations to one filled with joy, laughter, and music. In the process, Maria wins the hearts of all seven children and their widower father Captain Von Trapp, although their happiness seems destined to fate when Maria and the family learn that their beloved Austria has been taken over by the Nazis, and the retired captain must report for immediate service in the Nazi Navy.
A musical masterpiece that led to an Oscar-winning 1965 film, The Sound of Music tied for the Tony Award for Best Musical with Fiorello! and won four additional awards, the initial run of its Broadway engagement lasting an incredible 1,443 performances. The show's original-cast album, meanwhile, sold a remarkable 3 million copies, and after the musical opened in London's West End at the Palace Theatre on May 18, 1961, it went on to run for 2,385 performances.
Directing The Sound of Music is Music Guild veteran David Blakey, who previously helmed the organization's 2023 production of The Wizard of Oz and 2019 adaptation of the Whoopi Goldberg comedy Sister Act, and also music-directed the Elvis-influenced Shakespeare spoof All Shook Up. Deb Shippy serves as Blakey's assistant director, the show's music direction is Mark Swessinger (assisted by Deb Swift), and additional members of The Sound of Music's creative team include: stage manager Kathryn Weber; choreographer Sara Laufer; set designer Kevin Pieper; costume designer Sue Woodard; lighting designer Steve Parmley; sound designer Brian Phipps; props master Megan Winchell; makeup designer Sue Cates; and producer Kayla Sierra-Lee.
Music Guild favorites Sarah Lounsberry (A Little Night Music) and Nathan Bates (Newsies: The Musical) respectively portray Maria and Captain Von Trapp, Erin Platt (42nd Street) will croon "Climb Every Mountain" as Mother Abbess, and additional members of The Sound of Music's principal cast include: Chris Castle; Tamara Baugh; Jenny Winn; Kirsten Myers; Jen Sondgeroth; Jonah Higinbotham; Pam Cantrell; Marissa Pedersen; Eli Schroeder; Selah Filzen Etzel; Jack Lounsberry; Mariana Karfis; Gracie Cross; Edith Young; Jordan Dodd; Greg Etzel; Craig Woodard; Mary Osborn; and Tyler Belanger.
The show's ensemble is composed of: Brittany Anderson; Storm Marie Baca; Mindy Duncan; Kiersten Fuhr; Jean Grewe; Olinda Gunther; Danny Hauskins; Elias Hayz; Tori Hofer; Clara Huddleston; Addie Jorgensen; Elizabeth Kelly; Abigail Krug; Karen Lefebvre; Morris Nunn; Mary Osborn; Katie Rhea; Laura Sauer; Callen Sederquist; Yvonne Siddique; Ruby Tunney; and Allison Winter. Eighteen gifted musicians, meanwhile, compose The Sound of Music's pit orchestra: Lisa Crews and Tyler Whitten on flute; Tricia Fueling and Anne Phipps on clarinet; Susan Serre on oboe; Charlie Koster on bassoon; Allison Nickel and Phyllis Miller on horn; Ben McKay, Jerry Miller, and Mackenzie Volkert on trumpet; Zach Hansen and Eldon Decker on trombone; Jim Hathaway on tuba; Aaron Deneckere on drums; Madz Hendricks on auxiliary percussion; Jesslyn Cohen on harp; and assistant music director Deb Swift on keyboard.
Quad City Music Guild's presentation of The Sound of Music runs at Moline's Prospect Park Auditorium November 14 through 23, with performances Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Admission is $15-20, and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)762-6610 and visiting QCMusicGuild.com.
