By VICKIE CORNELIUS PHIPPS
A Seat on the Aisle
The Sound of Music opened on Broadway in 1959, 14 years after World War II ended. This final collaboration of the incredible duo of Rogers and Hammerstein gave us the world’s most beloved musical, which won five Tony Awards and five Oscars.
It featured many memorable songs including, “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and the title song. If you have seen the movie 20 times like I have but have never seen a stage production as it was originally written, this is a show you should see.
The inspirational story is set in Austria and based on the memoirs of Maria Von Trapp, a nun-in-training who has trouble coping with the boundaries of convent life. On the insightful order of Mother Abbess, Maria is sent back into the world to find some clarity. She takes up a position as governess to seven children of the widowed former naval officer, Captain Von Trapp. When she arrives, she learns that the Captain requires military discipline from his children (age ranging from 5 to 16) and expects the same from Maria. But Maria’s warmth and kindness quickly win the children’s affection through music.
The country is on the precipice of WWII and loyalties are changing by the day. When the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a decision that will change their lives forever.
A stellar performance by Renee La Schiazza as Maria has us all in the palm of her hand with a voice of crystalline clarity and a charm that sweeps across the stage. Tobin Strader as Captain Georg Von Trapp remains detached from the audience until he opens to Maria. La Schiazza and Strader make their falling in love moment believable as the captain’s outer shell starts to crack.
Maria (played by Renee La Schiazza) inspires the Von Trapp children with a song in Civic Theatre’s production of The Sound of Music, on stage through May 13 in Carmel. (Photo by David Cunningham)
David Maxwell as Captain Trapp’s friend Max Detweiler is engaging and entertaining. Nina Stilabower brings golden-era style and class to the role of Baroness Schraeder. Emma Hornbecker (Liesl) and Nolan Dougherty (Rolf) delight us in the musical number “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” a moment of lightness for these two teenagers that will soon force them to grow up.
The talented ensemble of the seven Von Trapp children, Emma Hornbecker (Liesl), Andrew Horras (Friedrich), Keegan Connor (Louisa), Jack McNally (Kurt), Adeline Giesting (Brigitta), Katherine LeFan (Marta), and Greta Schaefer (Gretl) is delightful and distinguishable.
Grace and harmony preside over the entire show in the form of the sisters of Nonnberg Abbey. Lauren Walawender (Sister Berthe), Heather Hansen (Sister Margaret), and Sydnie Blair (Sister Sophia) radiate both reverence and wit. At their lead is Kirsten Gunlogson (Mother Abbess) whose delivery of “Climb Every Mountain” is strong and stirring.
Scenic designer Kenneth Foy’s work is breathtaking. The orchestra under the direction of Brent Marty brings this amazing score to life with stylish energy. Adrienne Conces designed the costumes with compliments to Andrew Elliot as Hair/Wig designer.
Maria (played by Renee La Schiazza) and Captain Von Trapp (played by Tobin Strader). (Photo by David Cunningham)
Every member of the ensemble gives earnest focus to the scenes. A deserving brava to Dick Davis, Jennifer Sutton, Nolan Daugherty, Karen Hurt, Luke Robinson, Katie Stark, Drew Kempis, Melina DeGolyer, Keith Gregor, Alex Arnold, Sadie Cohen, Chad Leitschuh, Nicolette Mantica, Lee Russell, and Anastasia Yiannoutsos.
The Sound of Music is one of those musicals that has stood the test of time and remains a frequent crowd pleaser. Rogers and Hammerstein never ran away from the ugly truth. They made their audiences think. Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre’s production of The Sound of Music, directed by Anne Beck, makes this classic a warmhearted entertaining experience and should serve as the perfect theatre experience.
The Sound of Music runs through May 13. Purchase tickets at CivicTheatre.org. or call (317) 843-3800.
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