By Kristen Weyer.
The hills are alive in Bellport as the Gateway continues its 70th Season with the stunning classic The Sound Of Music! This Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece has a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp. The Gateway’s production is directed and choreographed by Mitzi Hamilton, and this wonderful show is a testament to her vision and the talent of the entire cast and crew.
From the fabulous opening number to the emotional end, this production is everything you’re hoping it will be with only a few minor tweaks. For anyone who, like me, is a huge fan of the 1965 movie starring Julie Andrews, you’ll notice that a few of the songs have been moved around and are sung at different points in the show. While this did make the loyal fan in me frown slightly, my theatre lover side can appreciate that it was most likely done for ease of flow in a stage production; and it didn’t harm the plot or enjoyment. Sadly there is no giant marionette sequence, but again, film to stage transfer must be taken into account and don’t worry “The Lonely Goatherd” song is still present and sounds incredible! We also gain two songs that are not in the film, “How Can Love Survive?” and “No Way To Stop It” both of which are sung predominantly by Elsa and Max and add a bit more to their characters.
The wonderful set design varies from attractively painted back drops to large and intricate full stage pieces; scenic coordination and additional designs by Brittany Loesch. Gorgeous lighting design by Marcia Madeira is brilliantly effective throughout, starting from the fantastic opening sequence in the shadowed Nonnberg Abbey. Perfectly movie reminiscent costume design by Joe Greene is lovely and historically accurate.
Of course what really brings any performance to life is the cast, and this one does beautiful justice to the roles we know and love. Brandi Burkhardt is an excellent Maria, her gorgeous vocals effortlessly performing the beloved songs. She perfectly captures that beguiling mix of strength and nerves, wisdom and innocence, that is the essence of Maria. Ryan K. Bailer’s strong and smooth voice is a pure pleasure to listen to, especially on “Edelweiss” which he portrays with raw emotion; this combined with a slight hint of an accent adds a nice dynamic to his character.
The Nuns wonderful harmonizing vocals impress on more than one occasion, and the subtle interactions between Sister Margaretta and Sister Berthe, played by Amanda Joy Loth and Ariana Valdes respectively, are very funny. Tracy Bidleman is wonderful as The Mother Abbess and gives a fantastic performance of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”. Tom Souhrada is as charming and amusing as Max Detweiler should be, Jenny Hill is great as Elsa Schraeder, and Nick Ziobro as Rolf displays excellent vocals during “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”.
It is difficult to accurately describe how impressed I am by the incredible cast of kids playing the Von Trapp Children. For a group of seven young people of varying ages and experience to act and sing so stunningly well together, and singularly, is an amazing and completely wonderful sight to see. Their every scene was enchanting, and their harmonies are enough to give you goosebumps. Excepting Liesl, who is always played by the lovely, charming and talented Erin Grace Kelly, The Von Trapp Children are portrayed at differing performances by two groups of kids: The Blue Company and The Yellow Company. I had the pleasure of witnessing the Yellow Company which is comprised of: Justino Tesoro (Friedrich), Olivia McBride (Louisa), Daniel Donahue (Kurt), Sage Cotter (Brigitta), Addison Wasylyshyn (Marta), & Sonnie Betts (as Gretl, whose completely adorable performance nearly stole the show). The Blue Company consists of: Albert Jack Peterson (Friedrich), Keira Ballan (Louisa), Brendyn J. Molnar (Kurt), Allie DeMatteo (Brigitta), Brynne Ballan (Marta), & Clara Swinkin (Gretl). While I haven’t had the undoubtedly great pleasure of seeing The Blue Company in person I can only imagine how wonderful they must be as well! No matter which company you are lucky enough to get to see I can guarantee they will be amazing!
The Sound of Music is a beloved story for people of all ages. A tale of courage, true love, and family, that has and will continue to span generations. So Do-Re-Mi yourself over to the Gateway and make sure you don’t miss this fabulous show!