It’s coming soon to a theater near you, and woe is me!  I’m at work in New York and unable to do my usual review of Class Act’s winter production. This year’s offering is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, “The Sound of Music.” Starring C.A. regular, Megan Kane as Maria, the show will have four performances this month at the beautiful 800-seat theater of the Nancy Bock Performing Arts Center. (Conveniently located on the McCullough campus of The Woodlands High School.) The many-talented Miss Kane will, in a manner of speaking, have a theater professional as a co-star.

To be more precise, Kane’s “co-star” will be a quarter-million dollar, professional-quality set, usually featured in the national tours of the Broadway production. Through a happy confluence of events surrounding the upcoming Super Bowl schedule, the set became briefly available, and Class Act’s co-founder and Director, Keith Brumfield, was quick to seize the opportunity for this very special production. World famous set designer, Kenneth Foy, by the way, created the set!

“The Sound of Music” tells the well-known story of a young aspiring nun who proves too high-spirited for the religious life. She is sent away to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. When her sweet relationship with the youngsters, and her joyful spirit capture the heart of the stern Captain, the two decide to marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that the Nazis have invaded Austria. The Captain is summoned to immediate service in the German navy. The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre.

This Class Act performance will also feature a cast of over 70 talented local youngsters, live orchestral accompaniment, and wonderful costumes. But that will come as no surprise to the many area residents who have become loyal fans of this talented and ever-expanding company during recent years.

Speaking of Class Act fans, my thanks to the many readers who expressed interest when I mentioned, in a recent column, the local charitable contribution programs that can help non-profit organizations such as Class Act. In particular, area residents should be aware of the Randall’s Good Neighbor Program and the Kroger’s Share Card Program. For those not familiar with these wonderful opportunities to support local groups (religious, civic, sports, performing arts etc.), take just a moment during your next supermarket visit to stop and inquire about details at the Courtesy Booth. Randall’s permits shoppers to list as many as three (3) favorite organizations from their very large catalogue of qualifying organizations. The charities a shopper selects are then programmed in connection with the standard Randall’s shopping card. Each time the shopper presents the card at checkout, one percent of total purchase cost is donated to each of the selected charities. Yes, buy a hundred dollars in groceries and three dollars could be going to charity! Don’t be surprised to find your favorite performers, churches, scout groups, athletic teams, etc. in the listings. For those wishing to support Class Act, their Randall’s GNP number is 6760.  Meanwhile, the Kroger Company makes available its Share Cards with special designations for selected charities. When presented at checkout, these cards also send one percent to the selected charity. Check store for details.

For “The Sound of Music” there are 4 performances only, and seating is reserved. Performance dates are Friday, January 30th at 7:30 PM; Saturday, January 31st at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM; and Sunday, February 1st at 12:30 PM. For tickets and information call (936) 273-3395, or to conveniently purchase your tickets online, go to Class Act’s website at: www.classactproductions.org.  Theatre address: 3800 S. Panther Creek, The Woodlands, TX 77381.

One final request: For those readers who attend the show, would you take a moment to e-mail me Your review? I know I am going to be missing something wonderful!

(The Courier    1.19.04)

(The Villager   1.29.04)