PICKERING Musical Society (PMS) is marking its centenary with a production of The Sound of Music.

This year is a special year for both PMS and The Sound of Music, 2019 is both the 100th anniversary of the musical society and the 60th anniversary of the first performance of The Sound of Music.

Luke Arnold is once again directing the musical with a cast of more than 50 local performers, together with a large orchestra, under the baton of Clive Wass.

The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein, The Sound of Music, based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, has become a musical beloved around the world since its first performance in November 1959.

The Sound of Music tells the tale of young postulant Maria Rainer played by Niamh Rose, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules and regulations of Nonnberg Abbey.

The society welcomes newcomer Christine Baxter to the role of the Mother Abbess, who instructs Maria to serve as the governess for seven motherless children.

In the process, Maria wins the hearts of all seven children, and their widower father, Captain Von Trapp, played by society stalwart Marcus Burnside.

With the Mother Abbess’ blessing, and to the children’s delight, Maria follows her heart and she and the Captain marry.

Upon returning home from their honeymoon, Maria and the Captain learn that their beloved Austria has been taken over by the Nazis.

When the Nazis arrive at their door to take Captain Von Trapp away, it is their wily friend Max Detweiler, Michael O’Brien that buys the family time to make their narrow escape.

Their Austrian convictions compel Maria, the Captain, and the children to flee over the mountains of Switzerland to safety, taking the words of the Mother Abbess to heart: “Climb Every Mountain… till you find your dream”.

The production opened at the Kirk Theatre in Pickering on Tuesday, and runs until Saturday, May 25, with both matinee and evening performances.

Tickets are available online at kirktheatre.co.uk or by phoning the box office on 01751 474833.