What is there not to like in this delightful story taken from
the real life story of the von Trapp family? With music and lyrics
by Rogers and Hammerstein, (their final collaboration), and book by
Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse, the production was stacked for
success.
What is there not to like in this delightful story taken from the real life story of the von Trapp family? With music and lyrics by Rogers and Hammerstein, (their final collaboration), and book by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse, the production was stacked for success.
Opening on Broadway November 1959, starring Mary Martin as the incorrigibly delightful Maria. “Music” went on to win seven Tony Awards and ran for 1,443 sold-out performances. Opening in London in 1961, the production held the record for the longest running American musical in London’s West End after a six year run. Continuing the winning streak, in 1965 the movie staring Julie Andrews ran way with the five main Academy Awards.
The story takes place in Salzburg, Austria in the late 1930’s. It tells of a rollicking, optimistic, joyous postulate nun whose calling is questioned by the Mother Abbess. She is sent to become the temporary governess to the seven children of the rigid, highly controlling Naval Captain Georg von Trapp.
The Nazi invasion of Austria ominously hovers over the plot. The story continues with the realization of the love felt for von Trapp by Maria even though he is engaged to the sophisticated Baroness Elsa Schraeder. The politics of the impending regime causes a breach between von Trapp and his fiancée causing a break in the engagement and, ultimately, the marriage of von Trapp and Maria.
The war becomes a realization and von Trapp is called to serve the Nazi’s to whom he is opposed. Maria arranges a plan to escape to Switzerland.
The production is delightfully scattered throughout with enchanting standards we never tire of hearing. My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Sixteen Going on Seventeen, Climb Every Mountain, The Sound Of Music, So Long Farewell – are all individual masterpieces and I challenge anyone to leave the theater without humming one of these gems.
A solid William Michals carries the role of Captain von Trapp with the authority and experience of an actor who knows exactly what he is doing. He is believable and his baritone is strong and pleasant.
Sarah Ueiarte Berry plays Maria with gay abandon with a touch of the tom-boy and Huckleberry Finn while always being aware of her femininity. In the opening scenes on opening night she came across a little mechanical but warmed up as the show progressed to handle her “Maria” with charm and exuberance with an effective clear voice that had no doubts. I am sure by now she is flowing through the performances.
Ann Arvia as The Mother Abbess makes “Climb Every Mountain” hers. Terri Hansen plays Baroness Elsa Schraeder, von Trapp’s fiancée with subtle sarcasm without being abrasive. Patrick Quinn as Max Detweiler adds just the right comedic touch without moving the plot in the wrong direction.
The von Trapp children are charming, talented and perfectly cast. Of course Gretl, the littlest von Trapp, steals her scenes not only because she is adorable but delivers lines and sings like a pro.
The red swastika bunting that slams down as a backdrop on the stage in the concert scene in the last act was shocking and over the top. It took away from an otherwise fine moment that is key to the plot. I found it uncomfortably riveting. Dotty Lester-White’s choreography is at times a mite “too cute” but, for the most part, is creative and enjoyable.
This otherwise unflawed production is a polished, well done musical, well directed by Marc Jacobs and shows that the only locally produced musical this season can hold its own with all the Broadway productions that will be following.
Camille Bounds is the arts and special events editor for Sunrise publications.
