PORT ARTHUR — The geography of Southeast Texas does not readily lend itself to dreams of mountains, edelweiss and lonely goatherds, but this summer, what hills there are will come alive with “The Sound of Music.”

Lamar State College-Port Arthur, in conjunction with Port Arthur Little Theatre, will stage Rogers and Hammerstein’s classic family musical July 29, 30, 31, Aug. 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 1 and 8 at 2:30 p.m., at the Lamar Theater on the LSC-PA campus, 1700 Procter Street.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and $5 with Lamar ID. For reservations, call 409-984-6111.

“This is one of the most beloved musicals of all time and this is the 50th anniversary of the show,” director Keith Cockrell said. “There aren’t many musicals I’d be willing to do a second time, but with a perfect script and everyone’s favorite music, this is one of them.”

The story of the Von Trapp family and Maria, the postulate-turned-governess, features a multitude of well-known songs including, “My Favorite Things,” Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “So Long, Farewell” and many others.

The original production, with music by Richard Rogers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and starring Mary Martin as Maria, ran for 1,443 performances and won the Tony for best musical. The story is based on Maria von Trapp’s memoir about the family of singers in Austria at the beginning of WWII. The iconic 1965 movie, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, won six Oscars, including Best Picture.

Two songs that were written for the movie, “Something Good” and “I Have Confidence,” have been included in this production with the permission of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

“People know this movie so well, and they love it,” Cockrell said. “So we wanted to include the songs they loved from it.”

Beaumont’s Alisa Bell plays Maria and Chad Peterson plays Captain Von Trapp. The recently worked together on Beaumont Kidmunity Players’ “Romeo and Harriet.” Peterson directed and Bell was choral director.

Both come to this show on the heels of recent productions — Bell was in BCP’s “Brigadoon” and Peterson played the monster in PALT’s “Frankenstein.” Taking on another show so quickly is a big commitment, but one both were happy to make.

“I grew up watching ‘The Sound of Music’ with my family and I always dreamed of playing Maria,” Bell said.

Peterson also grew up watching the movie, but a recent rehearsal revealed a new perspective.

 “We were rehearsing the last scene when the family is leaving the abbey and they are going to have to carry the children over the mountain, it was the first time I had really thought of it as a dad,” the father of five said. “It literally gave me chills. It’s a lot to really think about what they did to be able to have what they wanted.”

Peterson said the chance to work with Bell is a bonus.

“She sings like an angel,” he said.

The pair became friends when they worked on the Kidmunity production. Their friendship has caused one small problem.

“There are several scenes in the show where we have to kiss,” Peterson said. “And it’s not that we are both married. It’s just that we have become such good friends, we end up laughing our butts off.”

Bell said she expects an excellent show.

“The children have worked really hard and they sing so well,” she said.

Liesl and Rolfe, the young lovers, are played by Adrienne Hadusek and Trey Honza.

Amber Lanning, who most recently played Marian the librarian in “The Music Man,” plays Baroness Schrader. Lanning is also the show’s choreographer. Her daughters Madelyn and Angelina both play Marta von Trapp.

Cockrell said that he decided to double cast the roles of the children because he had so many talented kids audition.

“Both casts are equally good,” he said. “There is no first or second group. Whatever show people come to they will see a great performance.”

Rounding out the children are Hunter Courts and Thomas Vigreaux as Friedrich, Rachel Honza and Madeline Brewer as Louisa, Ethan Honza and Marcus Nobles as Kurt, Madylin Rogers and Natashia Barker as Brigitta, and Grace Redwine and Robyn Nobles as Gretl.

Andy McCall plays Captain von Trapp’s friend Max Detweller. And the nuns are played by Casey Ford, Debi Brewer, Taylor Van Devender and Jeri Sullivan. Jeremy Altman as Herr Zeller and Gardener Clark as Franz the Butler round out the featured players.

The supporting cast comprises Rich Kihlken, Brent Rozell, Andrew Blanton, Jim Blackburn, Joe Rhodes, Kaneisha Semien, Jocelyn Edwards, Patience Huffman, Jamie Ellis, Chelsey Warren, Rhiannon Pletcher, John Pletcher, Ashlyn Redwine, Joshua Altman, Guy Wilson, Alan Kay, Tammye Knowles, Rachel Knowles, Brook Chaney, Marley Chaney, Christopher Alan Gay, Madelyn DeWall, Ciara Jackson, Gabrielle Cavazos, Kaylie Smith, Alex Rhodes, Kay Lené, Jeri Sullivan, Amanda Faggard, Paula Ronquille, Maureen Pierce, Shelby E. Pierce, Sarah Wiggins and Renata Griggs.

For more information, call Cockrell at 409-984-6338.