Meet the Marias

Bottle Tree Productions is pleased introduce Erinn Roberts and Sara Sturgeon, the two women who are sharing the leading role of Maria in the holiday production of The Sound of Music, which runs December 5 through December 14, Thursdays through Saturdays, 7:30pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

Director Charles Robertson says that despite the extra work of rehearsing two leads (and he has also cast two Rolfs and two sets of VonTrapp children!) there are so many talented young women who auditioned, that he wanted to create as many opportunities as possible. Roberts and Sturgeon, he says, are 'very different in appearance, but very similar in their passion for the musical and each brings charm and talent to the role.'

Erinn Roberts, who has performances on December 5, 7, and 13, is the mother of two young boys, and holds a PhD in opera/vocal music performace from the University of British Columbia. She has performed in operas and musical theatre throughout western Canada and has toured extensively through British Columbia and Europe with the University of British-Columbia Opera Ensemble. She has a music studio in Kingston, and is sought after as a clinician and adjudicator. When asked about the rehearsal process of this show compared to others that she has done, Roberts says, "The schedule is similar - they are busy - but having the children in the cast makes it fun and more relaxed. It is always uplifting to be around such positive people."

University student Sara Sturgeon reprises her role as Maria on December 6, 12, and 14. Sara attends Queen's University, studying French and Concurrent Education. Sara is fluently bilingual in French and English, and grew up in a military family. She has been on stage in Kingston several times over the last five years, both in school and community theatre productions. This is Sara's second year as Maria, and her enthusiasm for the production is infectious. "I love this show so much - I was so happy to be cast as Maria, but honestly, I would have played anything just to take part," says Sturgeon.

These two 'Marias' can be seen and heard performing on alternating evenings from December 5 through December 14, Thursdays through Saturdays. For more information about "The Sound of Music" or to buy tickets, please contact The Grand Theatre 613-530-2050 or Bottle Tree Productions info@bottletreeinc.com

*Sara Sturgeon photo courtesy of Mark Bergin.

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