“Sound of Music” and “Hansel and Gretel” come to UF on Nov. 21 and Nov. 23

November 7, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Just in time for the holidays, one of the oldest, continually operating marionette theaters in the world will perform four special shows at the Phillips Center Black Box Theatre.

The Salzburg Marionettes’ U.S. tour includes performances of “Hansel and Gretel” as well as the premiere of their adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music.”

Founded by sculptor Anton Aicher in 1913, the Salzburg Marionettes made their debut with a performance of Mozart’s “Bastien und Bastienne.” Aicher’s performances were so successful that he expanded the repertoire to include fairy tales staged for children.

The Salzburg Marionettes are scheduled to perform “The Sound of Music” at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 21, and at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 23. The troupe will perform “Hansel and Gretel” at 2 p.m., Nov. 23. All performances will take place at the Phillips Center Black Box Theatre.

General admission seating is $25. Tickets are available at the Phillips Center Box Office, University Box Office at the University of Florida Reitz Union and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets can also be ordered online at www.ticketmaster.com. For tickets or more information, call 352-392-ARTS or in Florida toll free at 800-905-ARTS.