BWW Reviews: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Muny

It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I actually saw the stage version of The Sound of Music. Of course, I'd been exposed to the movie version long before that, but I never enjoyed watching it until they started letterboxing the film for broadcast presentations, because the "pan and scan" versions always ruined the beautiful vistas captured by the cinematographer. But, you don't have to worry about that at the Muny, which offers up its own "widescreen" take on this classic musical (it is a big stage, after all), producing a solid and enjoyable outing fit for the entire family.

Maria Ranier is not fitting in at the Nonnberg Abbey. She has too much of a passion for life to conform to the strict codes of conduct that the Abbey presents, and is sent away to be the Trapp family governess. She immediately wins over the children with her playful enthusiasm and lovely singing. But, when she begins to fall in love with the already engaged Capt. Georg von Trapp, and he with her, she returns to the Abbey. Eventually Maria returns and love blossoms again, but now the whole family must deal with the encroaching Nazi occupation which seeks to forcibly enlist the former Austrian captain into their Navy.

Ashley Brown is splendid as Maria. She has the right vocal qualities for the role and seems completely at ease, even though she's, once again, taking on one of Julie Andrews' signature roles (she also did outstanding work in the stage version of Mary Poppins). All her songs come off well, especially "Do Re Mi" and "My Favorite Things", and the lovely opening title tune. Tom Hewitt is equally up to the task as the Trapp family patriarch. He has a pleasant voice and brings a genuine sense of warmth to the part. His version of "Edelweiss" is truly tender and moving, although the script by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse really doesn't properly develop his character fully. The initial stern demeanor he possesses when he first meets Maria disappears far too quickly to be believable.

Leslie Denniston is also good in the role of Elsa Shraeder, Georg's on again off again fiancée. Lewis J. Stadlen wrings a few laughs from the proceedings as Max Detweiler, a shifty type trying to play both sides of the political game. The Trapp children are played by Jessica Grove, Christian Probst, Berklea Going, Matthew Howard, Julia Schweizer, Elizabeth Teeter and Maria Knasel, and all of them are cute and talented, with Grove especially sharp on her number "Sixteen Going on Seventeen".

Additional support is provided by John Contini, Justin Scott Brown, James Anthony, Laura Ackerman, Rich Pisarkiewicz and Linda Mugleston.

Marc Bruni's direction is engaging and he keeps the pace moving at a good clip. Liza Gennaro's choreography adds a bit of sparkle to the proceedings, and Ben Whiteley's musical direction of Rodgers and Hammerstein's tuneful score is top notch. Michael Anania contributes a nice set design that conjures up the various locales.

The Muny's stirring production of The Sound of Music continues through August 1, 2010.

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