Irmo’s Mount leads cast of The Sound of Music

Hannah Mount as Maria von Trapp

New York actress and Irmo native Hannah Mount is returning to the Columbia stage as Maria Rainer in the Broadway Bound Vista Theatre Project (BBVTP)’s limited-run production of The Sound of Music, July 28–31 in the Cardinal Newman School Performing Arts Center.

Mount grew up on local stages before leaving for New York. There she earned her B.F.A. in musical theatre from the Molloy University/CAP21 program on Long Island. She was immediately tapped as one of “Broadway’s Rising Stars,” a national showcase that introduces New York audiences to the next generation of up-and-coming talent as chosen by a panel of discerning judges.

The Sound of Music is a “coming home” of sorts for Hannah, who played Louisa von Trapp at Village Square Theatre while still an eighth-grader at Dutch Fork Middle School.

This inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows a high-spirited postulant who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a difficult decision.

Joining Mount in the BBVTP’s cast are Tracy Steele as Captain von Trapp; Sydney Davis, Peter Lamkin, Gwen Bernado, and Karyssa Burkett (alternating), Kyran Burkett and Zach Cieri (alternating), Kati Coats, Grace Bender, and Gemma Burkett and Annabelle Stratton (alternating) as the von Trapp children; Jerry Crouch as Max Detweiler; Heather Hinson as Elsa Schrader; Stephanie Villamizar as the Mother Abbess; Leighton Mount as Sister Berthe; Mattie Mount as Sister Margaretta; and Angel Skinner as Sister Sophia.

The Sound of Music is directed and choreographed by Dedra Daniels Mount, with musical direction by Michael Simmons. Period costumes are by Dianne Palmer-Quay.

A silent auction of Sound of Music collectibles will be held throughout the run of the show as a fundraiser for the Broadway Bound Vista Theatre Project, a nonprofit community-based musical and dramatic performing arts organization created to present quality family entertainment and to provide opportunities for children and adults to develop talents in all aspects of theatre arts.

The Sound of Music is sponsored by Ken and Cheryl Wheat.

Performances will be 7:30 p.m., July 28–29 and 2:30 p.m., July 30–31. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, seniors, and military.

Visit www.BroadwayBoundMTC.com or call 457-1126 for reservations.

Cardinal Newman School is located at 2945 Alpine Road.