OC Pops and OCTC Join For “The Sound of Music”

The Sound of Music, a perennial favorite about a woman named Maria, graces the stage at the Hughes Performing Arts Center in Ocean City High School Aug. 3 through Aug. 12. This final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein is being produced by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) with the soaring musical sounds of the Ocean City Pops Orchestra. The Sound of Music is considered the world's most beloved musical. The original Broadway production starred Mary Martin as Maria and won five Tony Awards in 1959 including Best Musical, then went on to cinematic history with Julie Andrews in the starring role. The show features some delightful songs, an endearing love story set in Austria at the dawn of WWII and one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. Come hear your favorite songs, "Edelweiss," "Do-Re-Mi" and of course, "The Sound of Music." Ocean City's adaptation is being staged by Shannon Agnew, Elizabeth Worley serves as the choreographer and Debbie Rolland oversees musical direction with Jonathan Kreamer as the musical’s conductor After a national-wide casting process, OCTC selected an impressive cast of performers to lead the Ocean City production. Some of the performers include: -- Emily Cochrane (Maria Rainer) returns to OCTC after previously being seen in Annie and Mamma Mia! Favorite credits include West Side Story (North Carolina Theatre/Palos Verdes Performing Arts), A Christmas Carol (Ford's Theatre), A Chorus Line (Gallery Players), Crazy For You (Reagle Music Theatre), and A Little Night Music (NextDoor Theatre). BFA from The Boston Conservatory. -- Christopher Davis (Captain von Trapp). Davis has an extensive regional theatre resume, including Julian Marsh in 42nd Street, Captain Smith in Titanic, King Triton in Little Mermaid (Rocky Mountain Rep), Ernst in Cabaret (TATC in Indiana), Frederick in Pirates of Penzance at Navy Pier, Count Carl-Magnus in Little Night Music (BoHo Theatre), Aaron in First Date, and the Dentist in Little Shop (Williams Street Rep.) -- Allison Deady (The Mother Abbess) was last seen singing Marcellina in Peach State Opera's production of Le Nozze di Figaro, touring with Baltimore Concert Opera, playing Marta in Knoxville Opera's Mefistofele and a member of the Spoleto Festival USA. She also made her company debut with Opera Tampa singing Lola in Cavalleria rusticana. Her career highlights include performances with Chicago Lyric Unlimited, Knoxville Opera, Chautauqua Opera Company, and Nashville Opera. -- Jessie del Rio (Liesl von Trapp) returns to OCTC after appearing in their holiday spectacular, Swingin into the Holidays. Recent credits include Vanessa in In the Heights (Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre) Missy in Marvelous Wonderettes (Priscilla Beach Theatre), and Jovie in Elf the Musical (La Comedia Dinner Theatre). -- Brandon Alexander Shawl (Rolf Gruber) lives in Hershey, Pa. where he also teaches Musical Theatre, Tap, Broadway Tap, and Jazz at One Broadway Dance Academy. Previous credits include Director/Choreographer for Hersheypark Sweet Greets/Sweet Hello (RWS Entertainment Group); Big Top Dreams and The Littlest Tree (Hersheypark/RWS Entertainment Group); The Velveteen Rabbit (Roanoke Children's Theatre); A Charlie Brown Christmas Spectacular (Kings Island/RWS Entertainment Group); Newsies, Big Fish, Will Rogers Follies, Hello Dolly (Alluvion Stage Company); Legally Blonde (Stage Right!). The Sound of Music runs at the Hughes Performing Arts Center on Aug. 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 12 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Aug. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$30. For more information or to reserve your seats, call 609-399-6111 or visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice and oceancitytheatrecompany.com