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The Sound of Music
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse
Produced by Light Opera Works Theater
Directed & Choreographed by Rudy Hogenmiller
At Cahn Auditorium
600 E. Emerson
Evanston, IL
Call 847-869-6300, tickets $27 - $75
Tuesday, December 27 at 2 PM
Wednesday, December 28 at 2 PM
Thursday, December 29 at 8 PM
Friday, December 30 at 8 PM
Saturday, December 31 at 2 & 8 PM
Sunday, January 1, 2006 at 2 PM
Running time is 2 hrs, 45 min with intermission
Light Opera Works’ The Sound of Music delivers a solid Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1959 Tony Award winning (Best Musical) and Oscar winning 1965 film (Best Picture) has stood the test of time to enchant millions. Featuring one of the most memorable and emotional scores ever written for the stage, The Sound of Music is the ultimate “feel good” family Broadway musical. Light Opera Works Theater, despite some noisy and sloppy set changes, exudes enough spirit, cheer and good will to please even the most calloused theatre patrons. I liked this worthy production that featured an impressively opulent set (design by Richard and Jacqueline Penrod) that vividly depicts old Austrian aristocratic wealth and the breathtaking Alps.
The Sound of Music is in good hands with Roger L. Bingaman’s 31 piece orchestra that enhanced Rodgers’ score with stirring strings and brass horns. It is so refreshing to listen to rich sounds from a full live orchestra that was true to Robert Russell Bennett’s original orchestrations.
The Sound of Music is the well known true story of postulate Maria Rainer (Katrina Kuntz) who tackles being governess to seven precious von Trapp children in 1938 (pre WWII) Austria. Maria uses her wholesomeness, loving spirit and musical acumen to quickly win the hearts of the love-starved children.
From Katrina Kuntz’s warmly genuine rendition of the anthem “The Sound of Music,” we meet a lovable, girl-next-door common Maria who radiates kindness and spunk. The nuns don’t seem to know how to handle the spirited country girl. Kuntz uses her down-home pretty voice that nicely isn’t the classical voice most often heard in the role. Kuntz has the innocence of youth that projects charm.
She wins the hearts of the seven children through her attention and, of course, her music. The kids were adequate and, while several appeared to be too old for their given ages, they delivered their songs and movements decently. The “Do-Re-Mi,” “The Lonely Goatherd” and “My Favorite Things” rang true in velvet harmonies led by Kuntz’s Maria.
Jamie Axtell’s Max and Kelli Harrington’s Elsa Schraeder convincingly nailed “How Can Love Survive and “No Way To Stop It Now,” two almost forgotten songs dropped from the film. Phil Higgin’s Rolf and Bobbie Bagby’s Lisel offered cute moments with their puppy-love tune “Sixteen Going On Seventeen.”
Larry Adams is terrific as Captain von Trapp as his inherent charisma commands the stage. Sparks fly between Adams and Kuntz in the deftly stage Austrian folk dance. We know for sure that they are destined to marry.
Opera veteran Winifred Faix Brown, as the Mother Abbes, stirring classically trained voice added depth to “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” It was chillingly emotional hearing her hit the high notes atop the glorious sound of the full orchestra.
Light Opera Work’s production seemed a tad unrehearsed but the material is so powerful, so emotional and so uplifting with so many fine vocals that the production survives some rough moments. This is sure-fire family entertainment.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago Radio Show (coming soon)
December 26, 2005
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