"The hills are alive with the sound of music." Okay, it's not the Austrian Alps, but more like the Short Hills that "rise" above Millburn where, just in time for the holidays, the Paper Mill Playhouse has mounted an enchanting production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical fable about the von Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music. With beautiful melodies, sprightly dancing, a suspenseful plot and polished performances, it's the perfect gift for the entire family. Left: Elena Shaddow (Maria).
For those of you whose only experience with the story has been through the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews, be forewarned. The play, while basically the same, has songs that appear in different places, with different motivations and different effects. For instance, instead of being sung by Fraulein Maria to the von Trapp children, the lovely "My Favorite Things" is a reminiscence shared by Maria and the Mother Superior of her convent. And there is no cutesy puppet show about "A Lonely Goatherd," put on by the children to charm their father's girlfriend. You may feel a bit disoriented by this, but not to worry: you'll be totally charmed by what is happening onstage.
That said, there's nothing not to like about this tale. Rambunctious flibberty-gibbet postulant Maria Rainer leaves the Nonnberg Abbey to take a position in Salzburg as governess to the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp, a former navy captain who runs his house like a ship, complete with a whistle to call the children and his servants. His idea of childhood play involves lots of marching and a great deal of standing at attention to receive his orders. Maria brings her playful attitude to this cold house, teaches the children how to sing and eventually wins the heart of her employer. With the Nazi invasion of Austria looming (and the Captain barely hiding his anti-Nazi sentiments), the family must leave Austria, a feat achieved by slipping off after performing at a music festival, followed by Nazi storm troopers, before finally reaching safety in Switzerland. (Note: They eventually made their way to America and founded a resort in Vermont, where they performed extensively for many years.) Above L-R: Chelsea Morgan Stock (Liesl von Trapp), Gracie Beardsley (Marta von Trapp), Elena Shaddow (Maria), Hunter A. Kovacs (Kurt von Trapp), Sean McManus (Friedrich von Trapp), Greta Clark (Gretl von Trapp), Maya Fortgang (Brigitta von Trapp) and Amanda Harris (Louisa von Trapp).
Director James Brennan has assembled a top-notch production team to provide a "canvas" for this enchantment. James Fouchard's sets encompass a convent church, an alpine landscape, a Baroque villa and even a graveyard, all of which moves effortlessly and quietly on and off the playing space. Amanda Seymour's costumes and Leah J. Loukas' wigs and hair design transport us to 1938 while Randy Hansen's sound and F. Mitchell Dana's lighting suggest the pre-war atmosphere. Tom Helm's musical direction provides lush orchestral accompaniment for the narrative.
Elena Shaddow returns to Paper Mill as Maria. Her lilting soprano is the embodiment of the sound of music as she warbles the title song, and her light-hearted approach to child rearing is endearing and charming. It's no wonder the straight-laced Captain falls for her sincerity and genuineness. Best of all, she acts the lyrics she sings; we really get the feeling that she is making up "Do Re Mi" as she goes along! Ben Davis does a fine job with the thankless role of Georg von Trapp; when he joins his children singing "The Sound of Music," his vulnerability was evident and sympathetic. As family friend Max Detweiler, Edward Hibbert manages to underscore his fun-loving personality with a glimpse of an opportunist, which makes him rather dangerous. And Donna English's portrayal of Elsa Schraeder, the Captain's fiancée, is stylish, elegant, yet ultimately cold. One has a hard time imagining her as stepmother to the von Trapp children. Above: Ben Davis (Captain von Trapp) and Elena Shaddow (Maria).
Chosen from 350 auditioners, these children sure are hard to resist! Chelsea Morgan Stock is adorable as Liesl, "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," especially in her tryst with the telegram delivery boy/would-be Storm Trooper Rolf, played with subtle menace by Anthony Fedorov. The other six child actors are comfortable onstage without being too precious. Sean McManus is a stoic Friedrich; Amanda Harris, a mischievous Louisa; Hunter A. Kovacs, a solid and serious Kurt; Maya Fortgang, a wise Brigitta; Gracie Beardsley, an endearing Marta; and Greta Clark, a thoroughly delicious impish Gretl. They are totally unselfconscious and portray siblings convincingly. And they sing beautifully and nimbly dance, as well. Above: Chelsea Morgan Stock (Liesl von Trapp) and Anthony Fedorov (Rolf).
Able support is provided by Suzanne Ishee (left, with Elena Shaddow as Maria) as the sympathetic Mother Abbess and Joy Franz as the efficient housekeeper Frau Schmidt. Ishee is especially majestic in her admonition to Maria to "Climb Every Mountain" before sending her back to the von Trapp villa from which she has run away.
Never mind that Rodgers and Hammerstein took liberties with the true story of Maria von Trapp; the bonbon they have given us in The Sound of Music is perfect for the entire family. This story of love against great odds is timeless and just the thing to raise your holiday spirits.
The Sound of Music will be performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn through December 30. For information and tickets, call 973.376.4343 or visit www.papermill.org.
Photos by T. Charles Erickson.
