The legendary family musical The Sound of Music is being staged this weekend in Valletta, bringing much-loved songs such as Do-Re-Mi, Edelweiss and My Favourite Things to Maltese audiences.

With music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the musical is based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, a nun who takes a job as a governess to a large family on the eve of World War II in Austria. Maria (played by Dorothy Bezzina) falls in love with the children and, eventually, with their widowed father Captain von Trapp (Roger Tirazona). The family plan to flee Austria with the children after the Captain refuses to obey orders from the Nazi Reich.

The Maltese production is being produced by Grapevine Music together with the Mediterranean Conference Centre and is directed by Ray Mangion with musical direction by Mro Paul Abela.

Around 50 singers and actors make up the cast which also includes Stephania Grech as Mother Abbess, Joseph Pavia, Nicky Farrugia, Ryan Paul Abela, Mariosa Pavia, Sarah Muscat, Michela Galea, Kate Decesare, Barry Calvert, Emanuel Tabone, Miriana Pavia and two sets of children, ranging from the ages of six to 16 playing the parts of the von Trapp children. A live orchestra under the direction of Paul Abela will accompany the cast.

The Sound of Music is being staged at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm and 8pm.  Tickets can be bought online from www.showshappening.com or from the booking office at the MCC by calling 2559 4750. Admittance to the theatre is restricted to those aged six and over.