BY BRIAN GLICK
In 1977 , Theatre Cedar Rapids – then , The Cedar Rapids Community Theatre – was located in the area of town that would later become Newbo , in a modest space that didn ’ t lend itself to a musical the scale of The Sound of Music . The theatre had a bigger vision for the show , which sparked a partnership with the St . Luke ' s Auxiliary and , soon thereafter , The Sound of Music made its Cedar Rapids debut at the lavish downtown Paramount Theatre .
That production , directed by the late
The von Trapp children in the 1977 production .
Dennis Wright as Captain von Trapp and Karla Goettel as Maria in the 1977 production .
Robert Geuder with music direction by the late Richard Hoffman , saw nearly 200 kids audition , sold out its run in one night via telethon , and introduced Eastern Iowa to area voice legend , Karla Goettel as Maria . Karla , who shared with me most of the information I ’ ve shared here , said of this experience , “ Great memories . This role definitely kicked me into a professional career .”
Later , in 1990 , then Artistic Director Richard Barker , and Musical Director
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