For many people, the familiar strains of "Edelweiss" and "Do-Re-Mi" stir up childhood memories of comfort and home. For Amy Jane Finnerty, The Sound of Music offers a homecoming of another sort.

Penn State alumna Finnerty (Class of 1994) is returning to her old stomping grounds to prove dreams can come true for State College's aspiring actors. As part of the national tour of The Sound of Music, Finnerty will help bring the classic musical to life at 7:30 Wednesday night in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Finnerty, who will portray Frau Zeller and a nun, said The Sound of Music always held a special place in her heart, and that every time the movie version came on television, it was a "big event" for her family.

"Mom would make popcorn, and we'd all watch together," she said. "I looked forward to it every time."

Indeed, Finnerty describes a scene with which many people may identify. Laura Sullivan, spokeswoman for the Center for the Performing Arts, also related to The Sound of Music as a great family show.

"It never really gets old," Sullivan said. "I saw it with my parents, and now I'm sharing it with my kids."

Sullivan also noted that the show's wide-ranging appeal has played a huge role in its strong ticket sales.

"It's a timeless classic," she said. "Everybody knows the famous songs, and it's some of the best-loved music."

Returning to Eisenhower will evoke some feelings of nostalgia in Finnerty, who performed her first opera, worked backstage and graduated at the venue.

"I always would think how cool the professional actors on the world tours were," she said. "Now I'm on the other side."

Finnerty said she was always drawn to theater, and she performed in school plays and choirs. Despite employment in mass communications, she continued to take acting classes after graduation, always remembering her passion for theater.

"It's like nothing else," she said about performing. "It's very hard work and long hours, but this is a tremendous experience. When else would I get chance to do something like this?"

The Sound of Music offers strong themes in addition to its strong score. The show tells the true story of the novice Maria, sent by the Mother Abbess to work as governess to the seven children of distant, formal Captain Von Trapp.

As the Nazis invade Austria, Maria brings music back into the lives of the Von Trapps, and with it, brings
the family closer together.

Paula Sweeney, director of marketing for the show's producers, defined the show's crux as the triumph of love and family. Sweeney said the story is poignant for people worldwide because of this uplifting message.

"The people of Austria, the Von Trapp family, were not going to be held down by Hitler," she said. "They were ready to risk their lives to get out. Whereas it is a romance, the underlying theme is strength of character."

As the final event before the curtain closes on this year's season at Eisenhower, The Sound of Music may prove to be a fitting conclusion.

"There is something comforting about it," Sweeney said. "It's like being with family, enjoying something familiar and entertaining."