Wheaton Drama's Playhouse 111 in downtown Wheaton is home to two classics this holiday season, with both shows having important "birthdays". 

Audiences to the November 16 performance of "The Sound of Music" learned about the first date, courtesy of director Jim Liesz's remarks that evening: "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight marks a very special occasion for Wheaton Drama and for 'The Sound of Music'. It was on this night 53 years ago that 'The Sound of Music' premiered on the Broadway stage – five years before the movie version was released. We are honored to perform for you tonight the same script and lyrics that became a Broadway sensation 53 years ago. The music and the message are just as alive today as they were then.On behalf of the cast and crew, we are pleased you are with us tonight to celebrate the 'The Sound of Music' once more." 

"The Sound of Music" opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater in New York City on November 16, 1959, continuing for 1,442 performances. 

Wheaton Drama's production is performed through December 9. "The Sound of Music" has music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Suggested by “The Story of the Trap Family Singers”. The show is licensed by R&H Theatricals. Performances are at 8pm Thursdays-Saturdays; 3pm Sundays. Tickets are $18 for Thursdays and $21 Fridays-Sundays. Please visit http://www.wheatondrama.org or call 630-260-1820 for tickets. 

This December marks 66 years since the release of another classic, Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life". While the film was initially a disappointment at the box office, time has certainly made a place for the hopeful tale of George Bailey. Watching the movie has become a holiday tradition for many and stage versions delight audiences each year.

Wheaton Drama is proud to present Tony Palermo's radio show adaptation of "It's A Wonderful Life" from December 14-16. In addition to the beloved story and characters, Wheaton Drama's staging will feature music and dance interludes and a special raffle. At the end of each show, the cast will read a letter from Honorary Sponsor Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu in the Frank Capra movie).

"It's A Wonderful Life" - Radio Show performances are at 8pm December 14, 3pm and 8pm December 15, and 3pm December 16, 2012. Tickets are value priced at $10 each. Raffle tickets will also be available at the show. Show tickets can be purchased at http://www.wheatondrama.org or by calling 630-260-1820.

Wheaton Drama's 2012-2013 season also includes "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure" (January 25-February 17, 2013), "Full Circle" (March 15-April 7, 2013), and "Into the Woods" (May 17-June 9, 2013). In addition to regular show performances, an education programme for young people begins in January 2013.

At play since 1931, Wheaton Drama is a volunteer-based community theatre organization dedicated to improving the cultural life in the community by providing quality theatre to its patrons, and a creative, rewarding experience to its members. New members are welcome and are encouraged to attend a general membership meeting. Meetings are generally held the third Tuesday of every month, and are at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton, Illinois 60187. http://www.wheatondrama.org/ Follow on Twitter at WDIpublicity.