The Sound of Music - Artistry

Photo: Dan Norman

Originally produced and performed in 1959, The Sound of Music was the very last show written by the icon's of 1940-1950's Broadway Rodgers and Hammerstein. It was based on the autobiography of Maria von Trapp though some details were changed to make a more compelling show. The book of the show was written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse - the writing team behind Anything Goes, Happy Hunting, Life with Father, and Call Me Madam. Originally starring Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel, the Broadway Production was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and walked away with five of them. It feels like most of us know this show, these songs through the film made in 1965. For a while the film was shown annually on TV. Because of that, and how often I have seen the film, I have only seen one other production which happened to be a High School production while I was in college.

Photo: Dan Norman

The Sound of Music, playing at Artistry, is one of the most beautiful productions I have seen. The scenery is simple and effective, as are the costumes. However the performances are everything that make this so gorgeous. The performances are all heartfelt, and with the direction of Max Wojtanowicz, I am hearing and feeling new things that I haven't felt or heard before. The focus on this production is so much on the music, and the power of music. I was surprisingly moved when Captain von Trapp started singing with the children - even though I knew it was coming. The way the scene was directed, the work and love that went into the production, as well as the work and love that the actors have toward this show, and this music were all visible and tangible...especially in moments like that one. I was surprised at how packed the first act is with all the songs that we know and love (though sometimes in a different place than the film). Two songs from the film were added - I Have Confidence, and Something Good, and they fit so perfectly with this production. The rest of the music should be familiar if you know the movie. 

Photo: Dan Norman

The cast... simply fantastic. The ensemble is good, and they switch characters and costumes, and are committed to the characters that I was surprised at how small the cast actually was. The children are so much fun to watch, and have such great voices, and camaraderie that they certainly come off as a family. The hesitation they have initially around the Captain, and seeing that relationship build was a joy. The sisters of the abbey, Max, Elsa, Rolf - again some are playing multiple roles but they were all so great in their parts. The Mother Abbess (Susan Hofflander) had such an amazing voice, perfect for her characters age. Hofflander played the part with the gravitas that the character needs, but also with a sparkle in her eye as if she were, or remembered what it was like being Maria's age. Their connection was heartfelt and true. The growing love between Maria and the Captain (Rodolfo Nieto) was evident as well...though still quiet. Meaning you could see there was an attraction though neither character really wanted to accept it, or may not have understood how to accept it. Yet it was visible to the audience. That takes magic, and skill as an actor, and as a director to bring this subtle shift out into the open. Nieto has a booming voice, much lower than I expected, and sounds incredible singing these songs. Finally Sheena Janson Kelley is Maria, and in my perspective was perfect. Her performance was the heart of the show, and it was such a warm and heartfelt performance, yet finding humor in small things which was perfect. Kelley has a warm, gorgeous, fantastic voice that shows how much love this character has for singing and music. The way Kelley takes time and discovers the tune, or the lyrics was wonderful to watch.

This production just opened. There is a live orchestra on stage, sounding incredible, and conducted by Raymond Berg. The choreography is by Gabrielle Dominique and was perfect.There are no big dance breaks in this show, and the choreography fits it to a T. Even if you have seen the show a number of times, or know the film backwards and forwards, I truly think you should go and experience this beautiful production at Artistry. It plays till May 12.