Review: The stage is alive with THE SOUND OF MUSIC at ZACH Theatre

In a final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein, one of the most beloved musicals of all time was born. With a score that includes "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars.

The Sound of Music is set in Austria on the eve of the 1938 Anschluss, the annexation of the Federal State of Austria to the German Reich. Based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, the story follows a rebellious nun-to-be who serves as governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp, a widower who hides his broken heart behind the sound of a whistle. Maria brings joy and fun to the household through music but as 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.

The Sound of Music is a classic that needs little introduction. Most people have either seen the 1965 film, starring Julie Andrews (Maria) and Christopher Plummer (Captain von Trapp), or the many productions of the musical that have been performed around the world since its original Broadway staging in 1959.

Zach Theatre's production of The Sound of Music gives this classic a fresh new look with small modern touches (costumes, neon signs, and some updated language) and a different type of staging. While I was not initially excited about the modernization of this classic, I very much enjoyed David Steakley's choice of a diverse cast. It was refreshing to see a show cast on talent rather than race or ethnicity, even if it made more historical sense otherwise. Furthermore, the collective talent on stage was impressive, with most adult actors dubbing as members of the live orchestra.

Stephanie Busing's simple but clever set is designed around a gorgeous tree that acts as the Austrian Alps, the center staircase of the von Trapp household, and the abbey's wall. The open stage concept transports audiences to an outdoors Biergarten and invites them to be participants in the plot. That is, for the lucky ones that purchased table seating. The rest of the audience will have to peak in from the window.... or the regular theatre seats.

Amanda Rivera is a wonderful Maria. The stage comes alive when she sings her opening song The Sound of Music. As she seats on that tree, playing the guitar and transporting us to the Austrian Alps, she has us all in the palm of her hand. Rivera commands the stage and the entire theatre, the attention is all on her as we follow along Maria's journey to find her true purpose in life. A multi-talented artist (plays guitar and violin), Rivera brings a sort of youthful sassiness and charm to her character helping bring her closer to the 21st century.

Trevor Martin, like his character Captain von Trapp, is a little harder to embrace. Martin remains detached from the audience until he opens up to Maria halfway through Act 1. Although there is a lack of intimacy in an open stage concept that brings the audience onto the stage, Martin and Rivera manage to make their falling in love moment believable. As the Captain's outer shell starts to crack, we get to enjoy the depth that Martin brings to the character. In his expressive and gentle eyes, we see the struggles of a single parent to fall in love, protect his family, and stay true to his convictions in the wake of one of the darkest times in human history.

Kenny Williams as Captain von Trapp's friend Max Detweiler is engaging and entertaining. Jill Blackwood (Baroness Schraeder/Sister Sophia) brings golden-era style and class to the role of the Baroness, lighting up the stage with her beautiful voice and acting talent. She is equally exquisite on the Clarinet and Sax.

Tyler Hecht (Rolf Gruber) and Francene Bayola (Liesl) delight us in the musical number "Sixteen Going on Seventeen", a number that provides a moment of lightness for these two teenagers that will soon be forced to grow up. Bayola, a Zach Pre-Professional Company alumni, adds a subtle modern spark to her interpretation of the song, making the lyrics feel less dated but still conveying the sweet innocence of first love. Rounding up the von Trapp adorable bunch (the night I watch the show) are Gabriel Beach (Freidrich), Victoria Hernandez (Louisa), Benjamin Walk (Kurt), Claire Buttler (Brigitta), Emily Wolfman (Marta), and Camille Bergman (Gretl). With fresh and fun choreography by Anna McGuire, the von Trapp children have a few shining moments with "Do-Re-Mi" and "So Long, Farewell", two of the most endearing numbers in musical theatre history.

Under the musical direction of Allen Robertson and with a cast of multi-talented artists that dub as members of the orchestra, Zach Theatre's The Sound of Music showcases the versatility and creativity of our regional theater and performers. The dual orchestra-cast includes Alexa Holland (Mother Abbess/Baroness Elberfeld/Guitar), Katie Horner (Sister Berthe/Trumpet/Flugelhorn), Selene Klasner (Sister Margaretta/Frau Schmidt/Violin), Kent Lewis (Admiral von Schreiber/Franz/Bass/Accordion/Cornet), Beau Moore (Herr Zeller/Ensemble/Tuba/Guitar/Madolin/Drums), Hector Moreno (Baron Elberfeld/Ensemble/Cello). To complete the orchestra are Ken Mills (Trombone) and Andrew Malay (Flute/Clarinet/Oboe).

Despite the minor tweaks and modern aspects of the production, this is still the same classic musical that is suitable and enjoyable for the entire family. If you want to make the experience more unique and try that old acting bug, you can purchase table seats and learn how to Waltz with Max, Liesl, and the rest of the von Trapp children.

The Sound of Music

Music by Richard Rodgers and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein

Book by Howard Lindsey and Russel Crouse

Directed for Zach Theatre by David Steakley

Music Direction by Allen Robertson

Choreography by Anna McGuire (in collaboration with Jennifer Young Mahlstead)

June 15, 2022-July 24, 2022
ZACH 360 on The Topfer at ZACH

To post a comment, you must register and login.