The hills surrounding Draper Amphitheater will come alive with the sound of Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic melodies in Draper Arts Council's production of "The Sound of Music." The show, which tells the story of the Austrian Von Trapp family on the eve of World War II, kicks off the Arts Council's summer season, runs from May 30 through June 14.

"It's so beloved, people know the story," director Robin Edwards said. While many are familiar with the iconic 1965 film version starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, seeing the show live in an outdoor venue is a different experience.

"To be able to be outside and have the hills actually come alive with music is enchanting," Edwards added. "The stage script is also a little different from the movie."

"This is the show you grew up on," actor Heather Burget said. "Everybody knows 'The Sound of Music.' There's just something about this show that makes you feel good."

Burget, who plays Sister Bertha, added, "For me, the theme of the show is the importance of family." She spoke of the character Maria who was studying to become a nun and how she became first a governess then a stepmother to the Von Trapp children. "It's about learning acceptance," Burget said, noting that not all families are defined by blood relationships.

This particular production of "The Sound of Music" is about family in more ways than one. In some instances, family members are performing in the show together.

Burget's daughter, Elizabeth, has taken on the role of Louisa Von Trapp. "I'm kind of just starting out," she said. "I'm enjoying being in the show with my family and being with friends."

Brother and sister Landon and Evelyn Yergensen play Rolf Gruber and Brigitta Von Trapp respectively. Their mother is the choreographer for the production. "Being in a show with my brother is fun," Evelyn said. "It's fun to practice our lines at home."

For a few of the actors, being in the cast is a reunion of sorts as they are once again being directed by Edwards. "I just retired from Olympus High School after 34 years," Edwards said. "I was teaching theater and directed all the shows." Heather Burget was one of Edwards’ students and played a nun in a production of “The Sound of Music” that she directed.

Tyler Oliphant, who plays Captain Von Trapp, recalled, "Robin directed me in 'Oliver' years ago at Eisenhower Middle School in Taylorsville." Being in a Draper Arts Council production feels like coming home for Oliphant. "Draper Arts Council was the first community theater show I did at age 14," he said. 

Serena Mackerell, who has taken on the role of Maria, is also returning to Draper Arts Council. She is enjoying the experience of being in the show. "As a mom, it's fun playing the role of a mom on stage," she said. "I love the scenes with the kids the most. It's so much fun to play with them on stage."

Mackerell explained that the role of Maria is a multifaceted one. "Moms can be other people too," she said. "I love the love story in the show. Doing a Julie Andrews role is a dream come true."

Landon Yergensen and the other young actors who portray the Von Trapp children said that audience members will be in for some surprises in the way that the show is staged. 

Jude Hopson, age 12, who plays Kurt Von Trapp, said that in this production, “We don’t always stay on the stage!” 

“The audience should go into it knowing that this show will be different,” Summer Taylor said. Taylor, age 9, plays Marta Von Trapp. 

“It will be a fun hour and a half journey,” Yergensen summed up.

Draper Arts Council presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” May 30, 31, June 2, 6, 7, 9, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. at Draper Amphitheater. For more information and for the link to purchase tickets online, visit www.draperutah.gov/events-programs/draper-amphitheater/the-sound-of-music. λ