“The hills are alive …”
Wait around. There aren’t any hills in Brunswick, but what the city is privileged to have is the Maine Point out Music Theatre, a blessing created obvious by the company’s return just after two COVID-constricted seasons. MSMT triumphantly reopened the Pickard Theater doorways this thirty day period with its revival of “The Audio of Songs.”
Who demands hills amid the return of drills, thrills, trills and playbills?
“The Seem of Audio,” not viewed at MSMT considering the fact that 2000, delivers comfort and ease and familiarity. It is a wise selection to entice theatergoers to the velvet seats. Handful of individuals have under no circumstances observed the demonstrate or film, and fewer however can refrain from buzzing alongside to the beloved tunes that include things like “Do Re Mi” and “My Favourite Things”. While one particular could effortlessly argue that the Academy’s Most effective Photograph award winner is the a great deal far more typically viewed version of “The Audio of Audio,” the film and Broadway musical share almost equivalent scenes with handful of minimal exceptions.
For those who did not mature up with the yearly Sunday evening movie, the plot centers on a young postulant named Maria who leaves convent daily life to provide as governess to widower Captain Von Trapp’s seven kids, ranging in age from 16 to 5. In spite of pranks and some head-butting with the captain, Maria quickly adapts and flourishes in her new situation, getting the children’s respect and adoration.
In the meantime the captain is in need to have of a spouse and mother for his young children. Could he see Maria as additional than a governess or will he commit to a marriage of wealth and advantage with Baroness Elsa? Will Maria return to convent life or will the 1938 Anschluss have an impact on their life?
As clean and healthful as a freshly picked alpine strawberry, MSMT’s production of this common Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is spouse and children helpful, with a notable spotlight on the Von Trapp kids who are onstage for a lot of the demonstrate. Regardless of whether or not director Marc Robin intentionally determined to have the youngest actors appear extra frequently than scripted advantages the in general working experience. Casting director Bob Cline struck gold obtaining seven proficient — and a number of area — singers to participate in the Von Trapp young children.
Every single time Portland initial grader Josie Marzilli techniques on stage as minor Gretl, all eyes change to her and not just due to the fact of her placing red hair. She valiantly and adorably fought snooze to supply a remaining solo much more than two several hours into the Thursday evening efficiency. Brunswick sixth grader Gregory Trapp, Jr. (any relation to the spouse and children?) as young son Kurt presents a robust vocal functionality. Preserve an eye on him. And Kate Walters as Birgitta steal scenes in presenting the important sardonic wit to counter the show’s sweetness. She effortlessly provides comedic lines and collects the laughs.
Similarly broad-eyed and dewy is the spectacular Hanley Smith as Maria. She plays the young woman with a plausible blend of naivete and a keen knowing of human mother nature, primarily when it comes to relating to the young children. Smith’s expressive voice has the versatility and vary for the role and her tone blends magnificently with the attractive wealthy fullness of Will Ray’s timbre when Maria and the captain sing together. Beth Kirkpatrick portrays the needed sympathetic nevertheless stern demeanor as Mother Abbess.
Blake Hammond seemingly walked appropriate out of Hollywood central casting circa 1939 to play Max, the formidable nevertheless lovable concert promoter who is transparent in his “looking out for himself” frame of mind. And Katie Sina exudes 1930s stylish as the loaded widow who has her eyes on the captain and his mansion. Sina and Hammond need a bit far more conversation when they sing the duet, “How Can Appreciate Endure?” but their chemistry shines in the jibes and quips that are as snappy as in any typical observed on TCM.
Anthony Lascoskie Jr. as costume designer and new team man or woman Kevin Koski as costume coordinator designed a high society occasion scene in Act 2 that correctly captures the types of the time. Fewer prosperous and accurate are Maria’s costumes, precisely her footwear, but the anachronisms are punchlines so this quibble can be overlooked.
Scenic designer Michael Schweikardt invites the audience into a peaceful room of consolation and reflection in the opening scene which comprises a convent filled with dark wood arches and flickering candlelight illuminating the nuns’ evensong. Significantly later, a easy still successfully chilling scene dressing of a microphone flanked by the significant crimson banners showcasing the Nazi symbol shatters that peace toward the stop of the clearly show. But when Will Ray measures into the spotlight and sings the lullaby “Edelweiss” into that mic, the chill turns to heat thanks to Ray’s voice and Paul Black’s lights design and style.
Getting a aspect of the audience, viewing “The Audio of Music” are living and in person while surrounded by men and women who know and love the tale of free of charge-spirited Maria, will help 1 experience like component of society once again. Whether or not you have witnessed “The Sound of Music” when or 100 moments, it is very well well worth leaving the household, placing on a mask (or not, as it is not required but most people today were being sporting them), and shelling out the ticket selling price to see the Maine State Tunes Theatre’s output and help community theater.
“The Sound of Music” runs June 8 – June 25. For a lot more details, pay a visit to https://msmt.org/the-audio-of-new music/
