The St. Kilian Players' performance of The Sound of Music opened last weekend and the production was a huge success. The play, which is produced by John Connolly and directed by Lynda Diurno, will also be featured this weekend in the air conditioned auditorium at St. Kilian Church. This weekend's performance dates and times are Friday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 2 beginning at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.

The Sound of Music is set in Austria just before the start of WWII and centers around the Von Trapp family and the changes they go through after encountering their new governess, Maria. Captain Von Trapp, a widower with seven children, is very regimented, appears to be cold and is totally void of an enjoyment of life. Although the children appear to be of the same disposition as the captain, they still possess a glimmer of childhood, which is expressed through mischievous behavior in the presence of numerous former governesses. That is until they meet Maria and her childlike spirit almost immediately becomes instilled into the children.

The new governess introduces the children to the single most important medicine of the soul - music - and that music is heard throughout the Von Trapp home. Unfortunately, the same music that makes the children happy creates a conflict with the captain. The stage is set, the lines are drawn and the transformation takes place. The last effect of this transformation is the relationship between the captain and Maria. They fall in love and realize that the imminent Nazi takeover of Austria is in direct conflict of the relationship. The central theme of this production is transformation - Maria grows up and falls in love, the captain drops his rigid attitude and the children again adopt the spirit of childhood.

The cast members include: Captain Von Trapp (played by Bob Kirsch); Maria (played by Margaret Barrett); the Von Trapp children: Gretle (played by Theresa McKenna); Marta (played by Shelby Gerstenhaber); Briggitta (played by Amy O'Neil); Kurt (played by Phillip Roedig); Louisa (played by Lindsay Gehlbach); Frederich (played by Trevor Firetog; and Liesel (played by Nicole Padden). Mother Abbess (played by Kathy Cullen); the Baroness (played by Ellen Donohue); and Max (played by Bob Domingo).

Residents are invited to come join the St. Kilian Players for their final three performances this weekend and witness the transformation and music and this production can certainly lift spirits. Tickets may be purchased at the door or call 249-0127 for more information.