The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is based on the true story of the Trapp family singers who fled their native Austria to escape the Nazi regime. Vincent Donehue, an American TV and Broadway producter/director. Donehue believed the story to be a perfect vehicle for a musical, especially if tailored to fit theater star Mary Martin.

Martin and her husband, producer Richard Halliday, embraced the project and sought assistance from producer Leland Hayward. Hayward brought on Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse to write the libretto, and Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II to write the music and lyrics. Finally in late 1959, "The Sound of Music" opened on Broadway to raves from both audiences and critics.

Playing the role of Maria will be Mandy Feiler. Mandy’s varied roles on MOC’s stage include Sister Amnesia in "Nunsense," Marion in "The Music Man" and Cinderella in "Into the Woods." The stalwart Captain Von Trapp will be played by Tom Schopper. This is Schopper’s debut at MOC. He was last seen in 4th Wall’s "Assassins."

In the role of the Mother Abbess will be Lisa Lockhart. Lockhart is a critically acclaimed soprano who has thrilled opera and concert audiences across the United States and in Europe. Recently, she sang the roles of Bess and Serena for the Tulsa Opera Outreach Program, as well as covering Bess for their production of "Porgy and Bess."

Also featured are Barbi McGuire as Sister Berthe ("Titanic," "Nunsense"), Kathi Iannacone as Sister Sophia ("Titanic", "Nunsense"), Autumn Tilson as Sister Margaretta ("Titanic"), Mitchell Olsen ("Titanic") as Franz, Michael Rush as Max, Charles Riley as Herr Zeller ("Titanic"), Chelsi Stahr as Elsa Schraeder, Tommy Waltz as Rolf ("Titanic"), and Janet Swaim as Frau Schmidt.

The talented Von Trapp Children are portrayed by Jennifer Smith, Jake Stepansky, Marin Contini, Gabriel Dardik, MaryKate Kelly, Kaylie Rubinaccio, and Ava DeMary.

The supporting cast includes Jennifer Shue, Marian McGinty, Susan Ryall, Carly OHagan, Cindy Owgang, Isobel Menard, Daniell Pennisi, Maria Brodeur, Andrew Michelson, and Todd Schumpert.

Leading the production staff is Director and Choreographer Bob Cline, New York City casting director who casts for the National Tours of "Annie," "Rent," "Hairspray," "The Wedding Singer," and "The Drowsy Chaperone" to name a few. Cline returns to MOC after directing the successful "Titanic," and "Nunsense."

Bringing the unforgettable Rodgers and Hammerstein score to life will be Music Director Ken Magos, who maintains active voice studios in New York City and New Jersey, has performed on stages throughout the United States and Italy in professional opera and concert productions, and who recently served as the musical director for PV Theater’s New Jersey premiere of "Rent: School Edition."

Producer Kathi Iannacone, Stage Manager Martha Thalheimer, president of MOC Musical Theatre and Production Designer Richard O’Conner, Lighting Designer Nik Marmo, Costume Designer Dan Schulz, Program Designer Susan Ryall, and Publicity/Marketing Director Barbi McGuire.

Tickets are $25, general admission; senior citizens, $22; and students and children, $15. Tickets for Bloomfield College students with ID are $4. For groups of 20, tickets are $20 each.

Performances will be held on Fridays, Jan. 9 and Jan. 16, at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Jan. 10 and Jan. 17, at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Jan. 11 and Jan. 18, at 2 p.m.

For tickets and more information, call 973-744-3133, or purchase online anytime at www.mocmusicals.org.