By Denis Brosnan
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 7/10/03)

What do Julie Andrews and 18-year-old Nichole Dalusung have in common? For starters, they both portray the character "Maria" in the production of "The Sound of Music."

The only difference is Dalasung’s performance will not be on the big screen — it will be at All Saints Parish in Manassas.

Sponsored by the Upper Room Theatre Ministries of All Saints, "The Sound of Music" is a musical based on the 1965 film about the von Trapp family singers and their escape from Nazi persecution in Austria.

Produced and directed by Rob Tessier, youth minister at All Saints, the play drew 112 cast auditions with just 34 available spots. "We had to make some pretty tough decisions based on the amount of people that auditioned," said Tessier. "But I am extremely happy with the group that we have."

Producing plays is nothing new for Tessier, who majored in theater at Miami University of Ohio. "Theater is such a powerful tool," he said. "It can spread so many positive messages."

According to Tessier, there is a major theme to "The Sound of Music. "Throughout the play, the characters are desperately trying to figure out what the Will of God is in their own lives," he said. "We want people to walk away from this production and ask themselves ‘What is the Will of God in my life?’ and then do it."

For Dalasung, the play gives her a unique opportunity. "This production has a great Catholic message," she said. "I’m excited to be a part of something so special."

Chris Zavadowski, 24, will play the role of Captain von Trapp. Zavadowski performs professionally, and most recently performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington. "The most amazing thing to me is that everyone is here because they want to be here. There is so much enthusiasm, and I really enjoy being a part of it," he said.

The production of "The Sound of Music" will cost approximately $10,000, according to Tessier. In addition, a professional lighting system worth $15,000 was installed for the performance. "This is a very high-quality production," said Tessier. "People will be very impressed."

This is the second consecutive year that Tessier has directed and produced a show at All Saints. Last year he produced "Godspell," which sold out every show.

"I couldn’t do this without the support of Father Bob [Cilinski]," said Tessier. "He has been so helpful and supportive throughout the duration of the production. I couldn’t have done this alone."

Proceeds from the play will go toward the Medical Missionaries, a group of 400 men and women who help serve and heal people in areas of great need.

Despite the normal stress that goes into producing a performance of this magnitude, Tessier says he is relatively calm. "I rely on the Will of God for so many things," he said. "God has always taken care of me, and I know he will bless this performance,"

"The Sound of Music" will perform July 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m., as well as 2 p.m. on the 19th and 20th. It will be held in the gymnasium at All Saints, 9300 Stonewall Rd., Manassas.