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Maria von Trapp – performed by Elsa Wolff
HISTORY ALIVE 2024 – Through the Looking Glass – Image or Truth? Hear their stories in their own words.
Who is Maria and was she really a problem? Maria was a woman of passionate faith and uncompromising determination. Woven throughout Maria’s life is a repeating pattern theme of music, faith and courage It is important to realize that the beloved musical The Sound of Music was loosely based on only a small portion of Maria’s real-life story that takes her from orphan to Baroness, from novice to Nonnberg Abbey to mother of 10 children, from refugee fleeing Nazi-controlled Austria to leading an internationally known singing group. More than once, she was called a “problem”, but, more importantly, she shows us how she managed to overcome her problems.
Elsa Wolff, entertainer and educator, has been performing, teaching, singing, and storytelling since 1997. Elsa, “The Guitar Lady”, performs for young children as well as senior citizens in the Denver area. In 2008, she added Living History by portraying Amelia Earhart, followed by Minnie Pearl, Maria von Trapp, and Annie Oakley. Elsa also became involved in Colorado Humanities’ Young Chautauqua Program and enjoys coaching students of all ages. Because of her love of music and the German language (her major at Willamette University), Maria is one of Elsa’s favorite characters to bring to life. Elsa is the mother of four children and lives in her native Colorado.
Complete details at the Greenville Chautauqua website.
