Cast photo by Emmie Beck
The Marlboro Players will present the classic tale “The Sound of Music” on March 10, 11, and 12, at 7 p.m. nightly. I was given the honor of previewing the play on Tuesday evening.
While heading out for the Marlboro Civic Center, I realized that I had never watched the complete theatrical version of “The Sound of Music” – you know, the one with Julie Andrews as Maria seemingly singing nonstop throughout the film. I remembered the von Trapp children and how Maria had such a positive impact not only on them, but their father as well. But that was the extent of my “Sound of Music” knowledge as I headed into the beautiful Civic Center.
As the house lights dimmed, I shut down the thoughts of work that were pressing on my mind and decided to sit back and enjoy some hometown entertainment. I was not disappointed!
Set in 1938, the play opens with the sounds of the Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey, their voices blending beautifully in unison. Maria, played by the wonderfully talented Sarah Crouch, soon appears and shares her love of music through what has become one of the most iconic songs in history, “The Sound of Music”. One cannot help but feel uplifted by Maria’s optimism and enthusiasm about seemingly everyone and everything. While debating Maria’s readiness to become a nun, Mother Abbess and Sisters Berthe, Sophia, and Margaretta describe her well in song as they ask, “How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?”.
To give Maria more time to ponder on her decision to devote her life to being a nun, Maria is given the assignment to act as a governess to the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp, played wonderfully by Scott Andrews. Maria quickly finds that the position of governess has been held by many predecessors as the children have “run them off”. Maria quickly captures the hearts – and trust – of the children and reminds them of the importance of music. The children, who lost their mother at an early age, recall days when their father was a different man – one who enjoyed being at home with his family and singing with his wife and children. The impact of her death has changed the captain, who now treats his children as if they were under his command, showing little affection, and staying away from home for long periods of time. However, he has decided it is time to find a new mother for his seven children and begins courting Baroness Schrader, portrayed by Jimmy Carol Avent.
The young actors portraying the von Trapp children, Leisl (Briley Howard), Friedrich (Luke Chavis), Louisa (Viva Lang), Kurt (Ward Hardy), Brigitta (Amanda Grace King), Martha (Jolie Rae Havener), and Gretl (Isabella Schauer) are wonderful! They deliver their lines like true professionals and their performances are a delight to behold. Briley Howard has a beautiful voice and her duets with Sarah Crouch are simply beautiful.
Underlying the happenings taking place within the von Trapp household is the impending loss of the family’s beloved Austria to Nazi Germany. Maria’s positivity prevails and the family makes plans to safely leave Austria and concentrate on what matters most – being together.
I’m sure you will remember many of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classics that are performed throughout the production. I found myself driving home with several of the songs replaying in my mind.
With a cast of 30 (yes, 30!) and a production staff of 23, it is evident how much The Marlboro Players enjoy making these performances available to our community and should be commended for their efforts. They put in countless hours to construct sets, create costumes, and practice, and their hard work shows! Director Phyllis Hubbard and Producer Emmie Beck have a winner in “The Sound of Music”!
Tickets are available at the Marlboro Civic Center ticket office located at 106 Clyde Street in Bennettsville. For more information, please call 843-454-9496. Also, please visit the Marlboro Civic Center website at https://marlborociviccenter.com for more information about the Marlboro Players!