The blessing of music is celebrated in the Drayton Festival Theatre’s first show of 2012, The Sound of Music.
The beloved classic lives again in its original stage format to captivate audiences once more.
The story is based on The Trapp Family Singers, a memoir by Maria August Trapp that originated as a Broadway stage production in 1959. The classic film followed in 1965 and won five Academy Awards including best film and best actress.
Each version depicts an Austrian family that learns to incorporate its love of music into a lifestyle. The catalyst is in the form of a loving, would-be-nun hired as family governess. The possibility of a Nazi takeover adds suspense, as it later threatens their idyllic world.
The songs, from Climb Every Mountain to My Favourite Things, are pleasantly melodic as well as profoundly meaningful. The stage is set with a beautiful preludium by the nuns of the Nonnberg Abbey.
The Sound of Music features a cast of 30, including local youths as the von Trapp children and a chorus of community members plucked from an open audition. Jayme Armstrong plays the rebellious Maria, who leaves the convent to govern widower Captain von Trapp’s seven children. She was a shoe-in for this production after finishing as a finalist in the CBC reality television recruiting series, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?
Armstrong was spotted on that show by Alex Mustakas, director of Drayton Entertainment. She is an asset, bringing grace and professionalism to the role and a wonderful enunciation skill, enabling the audience to understand more of the lyrics (such as “What’s so fearsome about that?”)
W. Joseph Matheson plays Navy Captain von Trapp. Fortunately he plays the role less menacingly than did Christopher Plummer, who was said to regret his film performance as the real life captain was a gentle soul. Chemistry is evident between the captain and Maria as they sing Something Good.
The seven von Trapp children are played by a delightful and talented bunch: Alyson Workman as Liesl, Jonny Woolley as Friedrich, Brontae Hunter as Louisa, Peter Jones as Kurt, Hadley Mustakas as Brigitta, Victoria Luis as Marta and Avery Grierson as Gretl.
Their version of So Long, Farewell was sheer joy to all, including “yeu and yeu and yeu.”
Rebecca Poff as Mother Abbess graces the audience with her beautiful, high-range voice, especially in Climb Ev’ry Mountain.
Jill Diane Filion as Elsa, the thwarted fiancée, brings the style and charm necessary to the delicate role. Karen K. Edissi shines with personality as Sister Margaretta, and Lucas Meeuse brings spirit and appeal to his tricky role as Rolf Gruber.
Director and choreographer Timothy French has brought forth joy in the music and vibrancy in the performers.
Set designer Kelly Wolf is only missing the smell of the mountain air. Costume designer Rachel Berchtold has gleaned outfits from those curtains as handily as Maria herself.
The Sound of Music runs until June 9. Tickets can be purchased online at www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com, in person at the Drayton Festival Theatre or by calling the box office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-372-9866.
