By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Nov 11, 2012 at 2:12 PM

Skylight Music Theatre is about to step up to the plate, take a practice swing or two, see a slow pitch headed its way and knock the daylights out of the ball and send it soaring over the furthest fence.

Combine the holiday season with a spectacular director and the unbridled joy and drama of "The Sound of Music" and you have a certain winner.

The story of the young lady who leaves her novitiate, falls in love, escapes the Nazis and starts a singing group of children is a warm-hearted treat for the holidays.

A director has an incredible level of impact on a production like this, and with Molly Rhode at the helm we are sure to get a graceful and careful production. She is an actor, director, singer and occasional dancer who brings an envious depth of understanding to whatever theater role she is playing.

Rhode has delivered memorable performances in Milwaukee, and teaming with the brilliance of Jamie Johns, who is the music director, singing along is sure to be a lure for this production.

The Skylight production has a cast of 63, a bewildering number for a Milwaukee play. It also features Bill Theisen as Max Detweiler in his last role as artistic director.

The play runs through Dec. 31, and ticket information is available at the website.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.