‘Sound of Music’ cast includes local church musicians and their children

“The Sound of Music,” the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, will raise the curtain on Friday, April 26 at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, for a run that will extend until May 19.

The story of postulant Marie Rainer, who becomes governess for the seven von Trapp children in Austria while coming into conflict, with their Naval officer father and the Nazi invasion, was turned into an Oscar-winning motion picture starring Julie Andrews, and songs such as “The Sound of Music” and “Do Re Mi” have endured.

In the Broadway Theatre’s cast, who have been rehearsing for the show since January, are local Catholic parishioners and their children.

Nicole Corigliano, 33, a parishioner at Incarnation in Mantua, plays Baroness Elsa Schraeder, Captain Von Trapp’s fiancé.

Corigliano and her husband, Casey, are music directors at Incarnation, and also participate in weddings and funerals at local Catholic parishes.

Corigliano’s daughter, Anabelle, is also in the production, playing Gretel, the youngest Von Trapp child.

“On one Sunday, I was dreading the 12-hour rehearsal and the work to put in. But for Anabelle it’s 12 hours of fun. She’s telling me that ‘we can have lunch at the theatre, we can have dinner at the theatre,’” Nicole laughed.

Her parish has advertised the show in the bulletin, and she’s excited to see fellow parishioners in the audience.

Maureen Walton, 47, of Oaklyn, plays Sister Margarita, and her two children, Connor, 19, and Molly, 17, also have roles.

A 33-year veteran of live theater, Maureen and her husband, Bill, are currently cantors at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Collingswood, and Holy Child Parish in Runnemede.

Playing Sister Margaretta, Maureen says that ultimately, in the decisions made by the high-spirited Maria and the Von Trapp family, the musical is about “living your beliefs, and holding true to those beliefs; no matter what we are going through, God is there.”

“I hope (the audience) gets the message, to do what’s right, even if it might be hard.” Molly said. “Sometimes God’s plan isn’t what you think it is,” she said.

The show runs from April 26-May 19. For performance times and tickets, go to www.thebroadwaytheatre.org.