The morning of Saturday, April 23, found Bishop Stang High School overrun with nuns and German soldiers as students prepared for their spring musical, the classic "The Sound of Music."

Dozens of students were switching from costume to costume while faculty and volunteers helped iron their clothes, run lines, and practice some of musical theater's most iconic songs.

According to Melissa Murphy-Leite, the director, choreographer, and music director, Bishop Stang’s theater company has been growing steadily over the last few years. This play was chosen because it reflects the enthusiasm the kids have shown.

“This year's show was a very large undertaking, which the students have performed beautifully and have energetically stepped up to the challenge,” Murphy-Leite said.

“The Sound of Music” has some of the most identifiable songs in theater history, and perfecting them for the performance was a daunting, but not impossible, task noted Murpht-Leite.

Senior Patty Alzaibak, 18,  had never seen  “The Sound of Music” prior to being cast as the lead, Maria.

“I was cast as Maria, which means the shoes I’m filling belong to Julie Andrews... Taking on this role was very scary for me,” Alzaibak said.

Sophomore Robert Coady auditioned for the role of Max, but was surprised when he was cast as Captain Georg von Trapp, a lead role. Coady, who has performed in two other Bishop Stang plays, said he didn't expect to get the role, but stepped up to give it his all.

"I grew up watching Christopher Plummer, the definitive Captain von Trapp, and I knew it would be a challenge to even attempt to fill his shoes," Coady said, later adding: "My favorite part of the performance would have to be 'Climb Every Mountain.' ... It is such a beautiful song, and Michelle Wedge, who plays Mother Abbess, absolutely rocks it."

Murphy-Leite said she is more than happy with how well the students have adapted the songs.

“I always tell my students to use the original performance as a guide, but to make the role and songs their own,” she said. “Our performers have done an impeccable job at performing these classics."

In addition to the cast of students filling various roles, religion teacher Amanda Tarantelli has been assisting Murphy-Leite. Teachers Maurice Ouellette, Kate Burkowski, and Burkowski’s art classes created and painted the sets. Christine Payette has led the stage crew with science teacher Tim Wojcik assisting with lighting. Assistant Principal of Academics Kathleen Ruginis, along with Karen Quintin and teacher Edna McKenna have assisted with sewing costumes.

“There are countless other faculty members that have lent their support during rehearsals and the production process,” Murphy-Leite said. “It really has been a school-wide effort in support of the arts."

“The Sound of Music” premiers at Bishop Stang on Thursday, April 28, at 7 p.m. Repeat performances will be on Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 30, at 7 p.m.