“The Sound of Music”’s popularity is behind busy ticket sales for CYT (Christian Youth Theater) Lake Charles. Some tickets still remain for Friday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 28, 3 p.m. at Bulber Auditorium, McNeese State University, 275 Lawton St.

“Historically, our winter shows aren’t as well attended as this one. People are busy. The weather is cold and wet. But this one is different,” Menard said.

More than the show’s classic appeal sets it apart, according to Brittany Menard, artistic director.  Youth are learning more than their lines and music. Knowing the Rogdgers and Hammerstein favorite is based on a real family’s experience during the Nazi invasion of Austria, has resulted in a performance by youth who are willing to dig deep to convey its message.

“They’re carrying the weight of an iconic show, a true story, and that puts pressure on them to tell the von Trapp story the best they can,” Menard said.

CYT Lake Charles has been doing its thing for 15 years. Menard has been with the group for seven years. She said she has never seen this level of exhaustion after rehearsal.

“This show doesn’t have massive dance numbers,” she said, “so it’s not the dancing causing the exhaustion, but the emotions these youth are tapping into.”

CYT is a national organization with branches across the country.  “God is centered in all we do,” Menard said.  In addition to learning the core fundamentals of musical theater, children ages four to 18 enjoy devotional, praise and worship and prayer. Close to 200 performers participate. Core principles are character over competition, people over programs, service over spotlight and excellence over ego.

Menard said that many times youth join CYT and find friends with the same interest, giving them a sense of belonging.

She will be offering a brief local and world history to the audience before each performance. For instance, McNeese State University opened its doors and Bulber Stage was completed the same year the Nazi’s invaded.

Find out why Menard’s favorite “Sound of Music” song was “Favorite Things,” and now that she’s heard CYT’s performance, it’s “Climb Every Mountain.”  Tickets available at the door for $25 and online through CYTlakecharles.org for $20.