'The Sound of Music'

Opening: Since it opened on Broadway in 1959 for a nearly four-year run, this Rodgers and Hammerstein musical — turned into a popular 1965 film with Julie Andrews as governess Maria — has never really been out of favor, with such songs as "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." But its fortunes have been cresting of late. NBC did a live version two years ago starring country star Carrie Underwood. Tony winner Jack O'Brien directed a national tour that is still on the road. In the Twin Cities, Gary Briggle directs a cast that reunites actors Billie Wildrick (pictured) and Dieter Bierbrauer, who played the parents in "A Christmas Story" last holiday season, as Maria and widower father Capt. Von Trapp. On its face, the musical — set in Austria in 1938 as the Nazis are sweeping to power — is about a family's escape from encroaching tyranny. But on a metaphorical level, it's also about art as a way out. (7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 2 & 7:30 p.m. next Sun. $37-$111. Ends Jan. 2. Ordway Center, 5th and Washington Sts., St. Paul. 651-224-4222, ordway.org)

Rohan Preston