SANTA BARBARA, CA -- The hills, valleys and State Street are alive with Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music just a little bit longer.

Produced by the Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera Company at the Granada Theatre, the musical was supposed to end Dec. 13 but has been extended for two more performances, Dec. 19 and 20.

The show is directed by Charles Ballinger, with Brad Setser choreographing and Elise Unruh as musical director.

The Sound of Music tells the story of the family Von Trapp, who defied Hitler's regime to escape from Austria to Switzerland on the eve of World War II. It is also a love story, between a high-spirited governess of 7 children and their father, a navy captain, whose heart she captured.

Currently a hit Broadway revival, the musical's first outing in New York starred Mary Martin and won 6 Tony Awards. The film version, starring Julie Andrews, copped five Oscars, including one for Best Picture. The Sound Of Music finishes its run Dec. 20 at the Granada, 1216 State St. Call (805) 966-2324 or (800) 366-6064.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent
and David Lefkowitz