Introduction
Most people know or have heard the songs “My Favorite Things” and “Do-Re-Mi,” composed by Rodgers and Hammerstein. These well-known songs likely evoke memories of the movie The Sound of Music, which most of us have seen. This uplifting movie is now onstage at the Papermill Playhouse in nearby Millburn, New Jersey. The Papermill Playhouse offers many wonderful productions throughout the year and is an excellent option for those who are looking to avoid traveling into New York City but still want to enjoy Broadway-quality productions.
Storyline
The story takes place in Austria in the year 1930 when the Nazis are invading Austria. The Sound of Music follows the von Trapp family as well as the protagonist Maria Ranier. Maria, who tries to become a nun, instead becomes a governess for the von Trapp family. The head of the family, Captain Georg von Trapp, originally prohibits music in their house until Maria teaches his kids how to sing. She teaches them songs including tried and true favorites like “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” and “Sixteen Going On Seventeen.” Captain von Trapp’s wife had died, and Maria is there as a motherly figure and a governess. She brings life and music back into the family, making the home a happy place once again. Before the singing festival, the Nazi army tries to draft Captain von Trapp to join them. At the end of the play, Captain von Trapp and Maria fall in love and marry each other. After the family wins first place in a singing festival, they hike through the treacherous mountains of Austria and escape the Nazis.
Setting
The settings in the play are at the von Trapp mansion, Maria’s church, and a singing festival. During the play, I thought that the von Trapp mansion was decorated very well, with stylish chandeliers hanging from the ceiling as well as grand staircases. Maria’s church was also decorated very exquisitely. An aspect that I think helped portray the time period well was adding the Nazi flag behind them at the singing festival. Adding this in really portrayed how serious and somber World War II was; It also showed how powerful the Nazis were. The von Trapp family, who was known for singing and bringing joy, even had to flee the country.
Actors/Actresses
I thought that all of the actors and actresses performed and sang extremely well. In particular, I thought that Charlotte Harrington, who played Gretl, was exceptionally good for her age. I was truly impressed with all of the talent onstage. The child actors and actresses include Analise Scarpaci (Liesl), Coleman Simmons (Friedrich), Jacey Sink (Louisa), Cody Braverman (Kurt), Tara Rajan (Brigitta), Austin Fisher (Marta), and Charlotte Harrington (Gretl), while the adult leads were played by Ashley Blanchet (Maria), Graham Rowat (Captain Georg von Trapp), and Caitlin Burke (The Mother Abbess). Graham Rowat, Caítlín Burke and Ashley Blanchet all did a phenomenal job as well, displaying powerful voices with great range.
Music
The orchestra performed live music, accompanying the actors and actresses on stage, which added to the professionalism of the production. It was impressive that the actors and actresses were able to sing notes that high and on key, perfectly complementing the orchestra. The classic songs will remain in your mind and have you humming for days following the play.
Conclusion
Overall, this production of Sound of Music was breathtaking and I think all will truly enjoy this interpretation of this classic. The Sound of Music is also a true story and a longstanding favorite that everyone will enjoy this holiday season. I highly recommend this play to everyone. It is running until January 1, so there is still time to see it and it will likely become one of your favorite things this holiday season!
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