The hills and downtown Des Moines are alive with “The Sound of Music” as the classic musical makes its way to the Civic Center. Starring in this 2000-2001 tour of one of America’s most-loved musicals is Barry Williams. Williams is best known for his role of Greg Brady in the classic hit television series “The Brady Bunch.” Williams plays the stoic and heroic Captain Georg von Trapp.”Tickets are selling well,” said Jeff Morgan, public relations manager for the Civic Center. “The Sound of Music” is based on the true story of Maria Rainer, nun-turned-governess, and the real-life events of the von Trapp family. This production boasts Jennifer Avery as Maria. “The Sound of Music” has had some very famous actresses play Maria, including Mary Martin in 1958 and Julie Andrews in the film version that was released in 1965.While caring for the seven von Trapp children in Salzburg, Austria, Maria falls madly in love with the widowed naval Captain von Trapp. She slowly wins over the strict man with her good nature and they are married.They return from their honeymoon to find that the Nazis have invaded Austria and have demanded that Captain von Trapp serve in their navy. The family finds refuge in the convent where Maria had once served and barely escape over the mountains to find freedom in Switzerland.The show was written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The music and lyrics for “The Sound of Music” were written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, who collectively have earned 34 Tony Awards, 15 Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes, two Grammy Awards and one Emmy. Musical pieces made forever famous by the musical include “My Favorite things,” “Do-Re-Mi” and “Edelweiss.” The production also includes two songs from the original score, “How Can Love Survive?” and “There’s No Way to Stop It,” that were not in the film.The original production of “The Sound of Music” opened Nov. 16, 1959. This production, performed at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theater, won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and ran for 1, 443 performances. Most people are familiar with the film version from 1965. It earned five Academy Awards including Best Picture. It stands as the most successful movie musical of all time.This national tour of “The Sound Of Music” made its Des Moines premiere at the Civic Center Monday and will show through Jan. 28. “On Tuesday at 8 [p.m.], tickets are as little as $10,” Morgan said. “It is a great opportunity for students on a limited budget to come to the Civic Center and see a really great, Broadway caliber production of ‘The Sound of Music.'”Tickets are on sale now at the Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at (515) 243-1888. Tickets may also be purchased on line at

http://www.civiccenter.org. Prices range from $10 to $45.