Tonight is the final performance of Palmerton Area High School’s production of “The Sound of Music.”

The show starts at 7 p.m. and costs only $5 for students and $10 for adults.

When I heard that they had chosen this musical, which is based on the true story of the von Trapp family, I thought it sounded perfect. I’ve never seen this musical live.

Like most people who watched “The Wizard of Oz” or “The Sound of Music” on television around the Christmas holiday, the movies are my only experience with the musical.

Now, area residents have an opportunity to hear songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” performed live, songs that for many, like me, bring back memories of Julie Andrews singing melodiously to house full of children.

High school musicals are definitely one of my favorite things about April. The variety of shows like Pleasant Valley High School’s “Godspell” in March, and Lehighton Area High School’s performance of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

These kids work so hard to put on a good show. I should know, because I, too, took to the orchestra and stage in high school — specifically “My Fair Lady,” “Guys & Dolls,” “Anything Goes,” and my favorite “Camelot.”

The first high school musical I ever saw was actually when I was in middle school, back just after the end of the dinosaur age. It was a performance of “South Pacific.” The song “Bali Ha’i” still haunts me. I like songs written in minor, or maybe it was the cute guy singing it. I don’t know. What I do know is I was hooked from then on.

Musicals are an escape. Sure they are a bit silly. People don’t just break out in song, but when there is a soft rain on a warm day, I can’t help but feel like I should spin around a light pole and tap dance up some porch steps. Even the song itself, “Just Singing in the Rain,” bounces along like the rain drops.

Whether you’re a big fan of musicals or have never seen one, go this time. Check out what these kids at Palmerton High have been working so hard to create. It’s important to support them and everyone behind the scenes that work to make it a success.

There are students who build and paint the set designs, arrange the costumes, set up the sound system and video equipment, and of course shine the spotlight on the performers.

It takes a crew to raise a musical.