“The Sound of Music” will open Meridian Little Theatre’s 75th Anniversary Season on Oct. 4.

Rehearsals have begun for this classic from Rogers and Hammerstein. The musical is one of Broadway’s most popular and best loved productions having won six Tony’s and five Oscars. MLT patrons voted last spring for their favorite musical to bring back in celebration of MLT’s anniversary. “The Sound of Music” received a tremendous response.

The musical tells the story of a romance that grows between a young convent postulant, Maria (Susie Johnson) sent to supervise the seven motherless children of a gruff Austrian aristocrat, Capt. Georg Von Trapp (Ken Patterson.)

Susie Johnson, a long-time favorite of MLT audiences has been involved in several productions throughout the years. Her last starring roles were in “Oklahoma!” as Laurey and in “Camelot” as Guinevere. Ken Patterson, also a favorite on the MLT stage, recently starred as the beast in “Beauty and the Beast” and starred in “Oklahoma!” as Curly and “Annie” as Daddy Warbucks.

Embellishing this tale are some of the most memorable tunes in the abundant Rogers and Hammerstein song bag. These include the stirring “Climb Every Mountain” which will be sung by Suzanne Cain playing the role of Mother Abess. Suzanne was last seen on the MLT stage during “Cats.”

The familiar song “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” sung by Liesl and her romantic interest, delivery-boy Rolf, are Sarah Margaret Huff and Lauren Rogers sharing the role of Liesl. Both of these young ladies co-starred in “Annie” in 2001. Benjamin Johnson, a veteran of MLT’s youth division, will portray Rolf.

“Do, Re, Mi” will be sung by Maria, Liesl and the rest of the Von Trapp children who have been double cast so that two different sets of children will perform on alternating nights: Friedrich will be played by Drew Mueller and Alex Goldman; Louisa, by Caroline Kennard and Lallie Elise Bennett; Kurt, by James Gibson and Jace Mauldin; Brigitta, by K.K. Johnson and Laura Huff; Marta, by Macy Patterson and Alexandra Evans; and Gretl, by Grayce Crouch and Camille Kennard.

The cast of “The Sound of Music” also includes Jason Brooks as Max Detweiler, Capt. von Trapp’s genial but cautious friend. Jason is the music director at First Baptist Church. Sissy Williams has been cast as Capt. Von Trapp’s fashionable fiancée, Elsa Schraeder. Ms. Williams of Quitman, appeared as the beautiful enchantress in “Camelot.”

Jane Taylor will portray Capt. Von Trapp’s straight-laced housekeeper Frau Schmidt and newcomer Terry Pankhurst will portray his butler.

The role of Sister Margaretta went to Virgie Palmer, Sister Berthe to Penny McKinnis and Jenna Johnson will play Sister Sophia.

Other members of the cast include Kenny Walters, Kristin Monsour, Kay Poole, Wendy Redablado, Lauren Denham, Kristen Allen, Margaret Remy, Suzanne Miller, Rebekah McCay, Angie Bott, Debbie Talley, Sarah Fair, Lindsey Summerlin and Anna Edwards.

MLT’s resident director, Jimmy Pigford is directing the heart-warming cast. Pat Gray will choreograph. Ken Patterson is the musical director and Carey Smith will conduct the orchestra. Scott Merrill is the producer.

“The Sound of Music” will be presented Oct. 4-10. Season memberships are now available at the MLT Box Office. Season memberships are $50 for adults; $45 for seniors (65) and military; and $40 for students (18). Memberships include all four plays during the 2007-2008 season. Other productions are: “Christmas Belles” Dec. 6-12; “Always … Patsy Cline” Feb. 21-27; and “Grease!” May 1-7, 2008.

Tickets may be purchased at the MLT Box Office during the hours of 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Monday-Friday or by phone at (601) 482-6371.