Gretl, why dont you sing loud? demands Max.

Ive got a sore finger! replies Gretl.

So Max kisses it better. Now you can sing loud for Uncle Max.

One of the best things about being part of Tryon Little Theater is the diversity of the people it attracts. Heres the new show of the season, The Sound of Music, and heres a whole new bunch of people working together to bring magic to the stage.

From youngsters (Reese Alley plays Gretl and shes only eight) to not-so-youngsters; from those with little or no experience to those with masses of experience; from actors who have trodden TLTs stage many times before, to those only now making their debut the mix is staggering.

One of those with lots of experience, but a newcomer to TLT, is Mark Monaghan, who recently moved to Inman from Palm Springs, Ca. He has a background in theater, was a card-carrying member of Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild, and hes worked with some big names, as well as touring as a featured vocalist in the Hot Wax 50s Showband.

A friend dragged me to see The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) and I was hooked, he says. I was just so impressed with the quality of a local theater production. I saw in the program that they were going to audition for Sound of Music and I couldnt keep away. Im delighted to be playing Max.

Come see Max work his charms, and find out if Gretl sings louder now that her finger is better. The Sound of Music runs at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, February 19 and 20 at 8 p.m., February 21 at 3 p.m., and again February 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. and February 28 at 3 p.m.

Tickets will be available from February 5 at the TLT workshop box office at 516 S.Trade St. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drop by, or call 828-859-2466 to reserve your seats.