Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Theatre 29

Just in time for the holidays, Theatre 29 has brought the beloved musical "The Sound of Music" to life with a spellbinding production that captures both the heart and soul of this classic piece. Under the adept direction of Lisa Hodgson and Bianca Stoker, who also serves as the Choreographer and Musical Director respectively, the production beautifully balances the exuberance of youth with the solemnity of duty and love. 

It is 1938 in picturesque Salzburg, seemingly asleep in the embracing arms of the Austrian Alps.  But a rude awakening is about to envelope this corner of paradise, as Nazi Germany’s Anschluss or annexation of Austria is about to take wing and, as one of the musical’s songs says there’s “No Way to Stop It”.  In nearby Nonnberg Abbey, the venerable Mother Abbess and her convent of nun’s live a quiet simple life of devotion and service…well, almost all of them.  Postulant Maria Ranier is having difficulty weighing the demands of monastic life and her more inner truths that reveal themselves in ritual tardiness and outbursts of unapproved singing in inappropriate settings.  The wise Mother Abbess gives her an opportunity to experience the real world before making a commitment to a life she might ultimately find unsuitable.  The opportunity is to be the governess to the seven children of the Austro-Hungarian Naval war hero, Captain Georg Von Trapp.  And what an experience it turns out to be!

Leading the talented cast, Analisa Pilecki shines as Maria Rainer, effortlessly capturing the character's wide-eyed wonder and indomitable spirit. Pilecki's powerful vocals are both joyous and tender, delivering memorable performances of iconic songs like "The Sound of Music" and "My Favorite Things." Her charges, the Von Trapp children, are played by a remarkable ensemble of young actors, each bringing a unique charm to their roles. Catt Christine as Liesel leads the children with a graceful maturity and the giddy electricity of a young woman coming into her own sense of self.  “16 Going on 17” was believable, charmingly awkward and sweet. Rory Compton's Friedrich and Charley Shay's Louisa add layers of humor and sensitivity. Tyler Zwicker (Kurt), Lily Prusso (Brigitta), Isla Keeran (Marta), and newcomer Camila Leos (Gretl) round out the family with endearing performances that are a joy to watch.

Graham Cooley’s portrayal of Captain Georg Von Trapp reflects a stoic grace that slowly melts into warmth and affection, creating a compelling character arc that engages the audience from start to finish.  His charisma with Maria is gripping, complicated by his internal struggles of being the head of a broken family and turning to the only thing he knows how to do, be a ship captain to a crew who need a loving father instead.  His breakthrough to his humanity through music, reconnecting with his children, was extremely moving. Gabriel Figueredo takes on the role of Max Detweiler with a charismatic flair, providing much of the comic relief alongside Cindy Ross as the sophisticated and ambitious Frau Elsa Schneider. Mark Cockroft's portrayal of telegram boy Rolf Gruber is subtle yet effective, particularly in his scenes with Liesl.  Joe Rego’s stoic butler Franz and the housekeeper Frau Schmidt, played by Laura Harwood added their touches of panache to the household.

Nancy Abramson delivers a stirring performance as the Mother Abbess, her rendition of "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" leaving a lasting impression with its emotional depth and vocal prowess.  Audience members were left in awe by the power and the soul of the performance.  Sisters Berthe (Sabrina Olsen), Margaretta (Tiffany Crocker), & Sophia (Rebecca Osier) added their moments of delight and frustration as they ask , “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?”

The rest of the ensemble (Victoria McSpadden, Alex Brown, Amy Miranda, Adonai Patu, Haley Hernandez, Deacon Ledges, Jayme Zwicker-Bateman, Samantha Crocker, Truman Walsh, and Paphilius “Tom” Patu) filled the rest of the show’s universe with powerful individual moments and nice backing vocals.

The production's success is greatly amplified by the creative team. The Set Design by Doug and Janet Peercy and Set Artistry of Kevin Maddrey is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the grandeur of the Austrian landscape and the intimacy of the Von Trapp home. Tera Bottorff's costume plot is beautifully designed, with the assistance of Kathryn Ferguson, Britt Pannell with Indio High School and Amanda Will, it perfectly capturing the period and enhancing the vibrant characterizations on stage.

"The Sound of Music" at Theatre 29 is a must-see production that enchants audiences with its harmonious blend of song, story, and spirit. It is a testament to the enduring power of this musical to touch hearts and inspire with its timeless themes of love, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of happiness. Whether you are a long-time fan of the show or a newcomer to its magic, this production promises an unforgettable theatrical experience.

“The Sound of Music” will be playing at Theatre 29 Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00PM and Sunday matinees at 2:30PM through December 22nd. Tickets are available at theatre29.org/tickets, by calling (760) 361-4151 or at the door.

Coming up later this season at Theatre 29:

EXIT LAUGHING – JANUARY 17 – FEBRUARY 5, 2025 – A Comedy by Paul Elliott – Directed by Wendy Cohen: When the biggest highlight in your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the "girls," what do you do when one of your four-some inconveniently dies? If you're Connie, Leona and Millie, three southern ladies from Birmingham, you do the most daring thing you've ever done. You "borrow" the ashes from the funeral home for one last card game, and the wildest, most exciting night of your lives involves a police raid, a dancer and a whole new way of looking at all the fun you can have when you're truly living. RATING 13+ - Adult Themes

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE – FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 16, 2025 - by Tennessee Williams – Directed by Gary Daigneault: Winner of a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and multiple Olivier and Tony Awards, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE is an American tragedy writ large. After losing her Mississippi home to creditors, Blanche du Bois relocates to the New Orleans home of her younger sister and brother-in-law, Stella and Stanley Kowalski. Undermined by romantic illusions, Blanche is unable to cope with life's harsh realities. Though she finds a glimmer of hope while connecting with Stanley's gentlemanly friend, Mitch, Blanche cannot face the truth of her own troubled past and ultimately descends into madness. RATING 13+ - Adult themes of sexuality, domestic abuse and alcoholism

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – APRIL 18 – MAY 4, 2025 - Lyrics by Tim Rice & Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber – Directed by Charles Harvey: What’s the buzz? The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the power structures of Jerusalem’s elite and the Roman Empire itself. The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” RATED 16+ - Adult Themes of violence

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