Elisa Matthews has portrayed several iconic roles in classic musicals at The Media Theatre, including Magnolia in "Show Boat" and Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady". She returns to Delaware County's only professional music theatre to portray Maria in "The Sound of Music" November 22-January 15.
In the show, which is based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers, Maria leaves an Austrian convent as she is sent by Mother Abbess to be the governess for the widowed Captain Von Trapp. His seven children grow to like her outgoing personality, but the Captain is uncertain of her methods. Soon the two fall in love which complicates the Captain's upcoming wedding plans with a baroness.
The songs in "The Sound of Music" are representative of Maria's personality. The most popular are the title number, "Do Re Mi", and "My Favorite Things". The entire score is one of the most popular known worldwide on every continent.
Elisa Matthews was last seen at The Media Theatre in "Annie" as Grace. She received a 2011 Barrymore nomination for her role as Meg in Bristol Riverside's "Little Women". She portrayed Johanna in "Sweeney Todd" at The Arden Theatre and was in Ohio Light Opera's "Camelot" as Guenevere. She is featured on the first full length recording of Victor Herbert's "The Fortune Teller" with Albany Records.
"The Sound of Music" was the final collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Hammerstein had cancer and passed away only nine months after the show premiered on Broadway in 1959. He returned to his home in Doylestown, Pa., to live out his remaining weeks after writing the lovely "Edelweiss" which was added to the show during rehearsals shortly prior to its opening.
Others in the cast at The Media Theatre are Broadway's Brad Little (Captain Von Trapp), April Woodall (Mother Abbess), and Barbara McCulloh (Baroness). Dan Schiff portrays Max, AJ Kiehner is Rolf, and Greta Bradbury is Liesl.
For tickets to "The Sound of Music" at The Media Theatre (Nov. 22-Jan. 15) call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. The performance schedule, conveniently located on the website, includes several Tuesday performances and Friday matinees. All evening shows are at 7pm. The musical is directed by Patrick Ludt.
