In a city known for preserving history and celebrating tradition, Limelight Theatre is closing out its 34th season with the sold out musical The Sound of Music. Featuring iconic songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “The Sound of Music,” the musical remains one of the most enduring and celebrated productions in theatre history. From now until August 9th, patrons fortunate enough to have grabbed tickets to this event will be treated to impeccable acting from talented performers from across Northeast Florida.
“There’s a reason The Sound of Music continues to resonate with audiences decade after decade,” said Missy Schmotzer, interim executive director of Limelight Theatre. “Its themes of family, courage, resilience, and hope are universal. As we close our 34th Season, we’re excited to share a production that celebrates the enduring power of storytelling and the connections that bring communities together.”
Below is The Sound of Music’s running cast list for the patrons able to go between now and its closing date:
Livi De Maio plays the free spirited and determined Maria Rainer. She is a rising junior at Penn State University pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre and is thrilled to make her Limelight Theatre debut. Recent credits include My Fair Lady at Penn State Centre Stage and Hairspray, Sister Act, and Mary Poppins at the New London Barn Playhouse. She is a proud Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Musical Theatre alum.
Franklin Ritch plays the stern Captain Georg von Trapp. A Jacksonville native, Franklin is an independent filmmaker and actor whose debut feature, The Artifice Girl, earned him recognition as one of Filmmaker Magazine‘s “25 New Faces of Independent Film.” His acting credits include The Life of Chuck and No Sleep Till.
Clay Mitchell plays Max Detweiller and returns to Limelight Theatre after appearing in The Drowsy Chaperone, Tuck Everlasting, and Little Miss Sunshine.
Angela Olsen plays Elsa Schraeder. She returns to Limelight Theatre after appearing in Sense & Sensibility and is excited to perform alongside her husband, Pete, and daughter, Ella.
Amy Gwilliam plays Mother Abbess and is making her Florida and Limelight Theatre debut. A Chapman University graduate in vocal performance, her favorite roles include Marian Paroo, Lily Craven, and Grace Farrell. She has taught voice and piano for more than 20 years.
Elizabeth Liss plays Liesl and is making her Limelight Theatre debut. Previous credits include Dear Evan Hansen, The Sound of Music, Into the Woods, and several independent films.
Peter Fisk plays Rolf Gruber and returns to Limelight Theatre after appearing in Hairspray. He plans to study musical theatre at Florida School of the Arts this fall.
Connie Maltby plays Frau Schmidt and is making her Limelight Theatre debut. A recent St. Augustine resident, she was most recently seen in Miracle on 34th Street and previously performed for a decade with the Swingtimer’s Vocal Trio.
Dr. Pete Olsen plays Franz in his Limelight Theatre debut. A former member of the St. Olaf Choir, Pete is a physician and co-founder of Olsen M.D. Functional Clinic. He is delighted to share the stage with his wife, Angela, and daughter, Ella.
Douglas Delaney plays Herr Zeller in his Limelight Theatre debut. A recent Flagler College graduate, his favorite previous role was Laurie in Little Women.
Wei Shu plays Fraulein Schweiger. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance and brings more than 15 years of vocal performance experience. Most recently seen in Enchanted, Wei is also an experienced vocal coach and is thrilled to perform in her favorite musical.
Brad Betros plays Von Schreiber and is making his Limelight Theatre debut. His credits include the international tour of Annie, Hello, Dolly! at Carnegie Hall, and the world premiere of After Happily Ever After. He is a Florida State University graduate.
Matthew Rodriguez plays Baron Elberfeld. A rising senior at Flagler College studying Theatre Arts and Music, this is his third Limelight production following Annie and Our Town. He also recently performed with Flagler’s Cabaret ensemble at 54 Below in New York City.
Hannah Geary plays Baroness Elberfeld. A Riverside High School math teacher, she has performed in 19 productions over the past 11 years and is excited to make her Limelight Theatre debut.
Ariana Patterson plays Sister Margaretta and is making her Limelight Theatre debut. She is excited to return to the stage after a performance hiatus and thanks her fiancée and family for their support.
Emmie Gonzalez plays Sister Sophia and serves as the Maria and Liesl cover. A recent Douglas Anderson graduate, she is making her Limelight Theatre debut after appearing in A Chorus Line, On the Town, and Les Misérables.
Dylan Cordova plays Ursula. She is a student at the University of North Florida majoring in sociology with minors in American Sign Language/Deaf Studies and social welfare. Her favorite past productions include Newsies, Cinderella, and Macbeth.
Briana Mazzuca plays the Postulant Nun. She is making her Limelight Theatre debut after recently appearing in The Addams Family and serving as its assistant director at Bartram Trail Theatre. She plans to pursue a career in theatre at the University of Central Florida this fall.
Mason White plays Friedrich in his Limelight Theatre mainstage debut. A Theatre Arts student at Flagler College, his recent credits include Little Women, The Thanksgiving Play, and 12 Angry Jurors.
Jameson Bennet plays Louisa. A rising freshman at Douglas Anderson, her recent credits include The Addams Family, Xanadu, and The Miracle Worker.
Francis Ryan plays Kurt. A rising sixth grader, he has performed with the Limelight Education program for five years, with favorite roles including James in James and the Giant Peach Jr. and the Cat in the Hat in Seussical Jr.
Augustine Christian plays Brigitta in her first Limelight Theatre mainstage production. Recent roles include Moana in Moana, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, and Alice in Matilda.
Sadie Hall plays Marta and returns to Limelight Theatre after appearing as Molly in Annie. She also studies through READY SET ACT and Music Rowe.
Bailey Butler plays Gretl in her first Limelight Theatre mainstage production. She is active in the Limelight Education Department, Drama Kids Club, dance, and gymnastics.
Ensemble:
Elijah Hand – Kurt U/S
Ella Olsen – Louisa U/S
Kate Gwilliam – Marta & Brigitta U/S
Amdu Simonsen – Ensemble
Production Crew:
Isabel Dondero – Co-Director
Joshua Sewell – Co-Director
Briana Mazzuca – Assistant Director
Keith Teepen – Music Director
Jonathan Chapman – Choreographer
During its 34th season, Limelight Theatre brought in many shows including Annie, Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, and Once on the Island: The Musical. These productions and Limelight are vital to the St. Augustine community, bringing a phenomenal night out on the town with local talent. As the production of The Sound of Music closes out, patrons are able to register now for shows in its upcoming 35th season. Passes are offered for individuals at $275 and doubles for $550 with individual tickets being showcased for each show on their box office. Additionally, Limelight Theatre will open its doors with a premiere of Next to Normal from August 13th-30th and Catch Me If You Can between September 10th-27th.
For more information on future shows visit www.limelight-theatre.org or call the Box Office at (904) 825-1164 for reservations and more information.
