Charming Trip down memory lane at ivoryton playhouse's the sound of music
By Kiersten Bjork (July 1, 2023)
The Sound of Music at Ivoryton Playhouse, directed by Jacqueline Hubbard, is a heartwarming take on the timeless musical. With music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the production features musical direction by Mark Ceppetelli and choreography by Francesca Webster. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Austria, the classic story follows Maria, a young postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, as she finds herself leaving the convent to serve as a governess in the house of Captain von Trapp, a former captain in the Austrian Navy. Maria transforms the von Trapp home and family with her joy, her music, and her love, bringing them together in a way that they haven’t been since the passing of the Captain’s wife, the mother of the seven von Trapp children now in Maria’s care. The Sound of Music features iconic songs such as “Climb Every Mountain.” “Edelweiss,” and “My Favorite Things,” as well as the beloved title song, “The Sound of Music.”
The Sound of Music at Ivoryton Playhouse, directed by Jacqueline Hubbard, is a heartwarming take on the timeless musical. With music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the production features musical direction by Mark Ceppetelli and choreography by Francesca Webster. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Austria, the classic story follows Maria, a young postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, as she finds herself leaving the convent to serve as a governess in the house of Captain von Trapp, a former captain in the Austrian Navy. Maria transforms the von Trapp home and family with her joy, her music, and her love, bringing them together in a way that they haven’t been since the passing of the Captain’s wife, the mother of the seven von Trapp children now in Maria’s care. The Sound of Music features iconic songs such as “Climb Every Mountain.” “Edelweiss,” and “My Favorite Things,” as well as the beloved title song, “The Sound of Music.”
Ivoryton’s production features Adrianne Hick as Maria Rainer. From the moment Hick steps onto the stage and spins about during the titular song, she is wonderful. Her performance will satisfy any lover of the film, and she also brings her own warmth, joy, and energy to the role. Maria is a character who loves with open arms, which the Mother Abbess points out herself right before intermission, and Hick embodies that compassionate and heartfelt character to the fullest extent. Her Maria is kind and motherly, giddy and stubborn. She flits about the stage with the same joy that the children do, and yet she can then return to the grounded moments of sudden connection with the Captain, or the moments of uncertainty as the political threat of the Nazi party threatens to boil over into their lives, with precise control. With a wonderful voice and a look not too far from the beloved Julie Andrews portrayal, I truly enjoyed her performance in all its facets.
David Pittsinger plays opposite Hick as the stoic Captain Georg von Trapp. While my initial thought upon Pittsinger’s first entrance was that the actor was perhaps a bit too old for the role based on my preconditioned love for the film, I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous timbre of Pittsinger’s voice. He brings a beautifully rich tone to the role, both in speaking and singing. He possesses the stiffness of the naval Captain, as well as the charm that makes an appearance once Maria begins to transform the von Trapp household. He brings the necessary ferocity of the Captain’s love for his country, as well as the softer, gentler air as he leans into learning from and loving his children.
David Pittsinger plays opposite Hick as the stoic Captain Georg von Trapp. While my initial thought upon Pittsinger’s first entrance was that the actor was perhaps a bit too old for the role based on my preconditioned love for the film, I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous timbre of Pittsinger’s voice. He brings a beautifully rich tone to the role, both in speaking and singing. He possesses the stiffness of the naval Captain, as well as the charm that makes an appearance once Maria begins to transform the von Trapp household. He brings the necessary ferocity of the Captain’s love for his country, as well as the softer, gentler air as he leans into learning from and loving his children.
Max Detweiler and Elsa Schraeder are played by R. Bruce Connelly and Beverley J. Ricci, respectively. These two performers play off of each other very well, and I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes in which they exchange witty remarks and banter. Connelly’s Max is quirky and fun. The character is non-committal in his approach to the political situation and yet Connelly’s portrayal still has us falling in love with Max, which is key to that role. Connelly brings great comedic timing throughout the piece. Ricci’s inflections and accent for the speaking voice of her character are excellent. Her Schraeder exudes a regal air with every word, and her mannerisms support this interpretation. While Ricci’s upper register was a bit lacking in the vocal number “No Way To Stop It,” on the evening I was in attendance, I appreciate the character choices she makes throughout the production – her character is quite fun to “dislike” as we root for Maria.
The role of the Mother Abbess is tackled by Patricia Schuman, who embodies the kind, supportive Reverend Mother will grace and strength. Her “Climb Every Mountain” is moving, building in vocal power as the song progresses to its climax. Her performance is very well done, and the soaring vocals on that iconic song certainly do it justice.
The “16 Going on 17” duo of Rolf and Liesl are played by Ian Christenson and Lily McIntyre (on the evening I was in attendance – Bryn E. Martin alternates in the role). Christenson lives in Rolf’s sweet to sour arc beautifully, beginning as the young and boyish love interest of the eldest von Trapp child and moving into the at times threatening role he takes on following the Anschluss. His performance in the famous “16 Going on 17” is charming and supported by excellent vocals. Similarly, McIntyre is a great young talent with a strong voice. I enjoyed the nuances she brings to the character, as both a teen finding her way in the world as she moves out from beneath her father’s shadow, and the eldest child still shepherding her siblings.
The role of the Mother Abbess is tackled by Patricia Schuman, who embodies the kind, supportive Reverend Mother will grace and strength. Her “Climb Every Mountain” is moving, building in vocal power as the song progresses to its climax. Her performance is very well done, and the soaring vocals on that iconic song certainly do it justice.
The “16 Going on 17” duo of Rolf and Liesl are played by Ian Christenson and Lily McIntyre (on the evening I was in attendance – Bryn E. Martin alternates in the role). Christenson lives in Rolf’s sweet to sour arc beautifully, beginning as the young and boyish love interest of the eldest von Trapp child and moving into the at times threatening role he takes on following the Anschluss. His performance in the famous “16 Going on 17” is charming and supported by excellent vocals. Similarly, McIntyre is a great young talent with a strong voice. I enjoyed the nuances she brings to the character, as both a teen finding her way in the world as she moves out from beneath her father’s shadow, and the eldest child still shepherding her siblings.
The rest of the von Trapp children were a joy to watch. They are fun, yet controlled when needed, dynamic, thoughtful, and endearing. From the youngest to the oldest, they are all talented performers with great voices. Brigitta in particular, played while I was in attendance by Taya Diggs, is a standout. Diggs does particularly strong work embodying the sharp, intelligent, direct middle child who notices everything.
John Demetre and Rebecca Ellis are both enjoyable to watch in the featured roles of Franz and Frau Schmidt of the von Trapp household. Like Rolf, Franz’s character possesses a similar arc, and Demetre takes the audience on that journey. Ellis’ performance is simple yet efficient, and I particularly enjoyed the scene in which she reveals to Maria the reason behind the Captain’s strict running of his household.
Ivoryton’s production is supported by a strong ensemble of performers who work hard to bring this tale to life, including Jenna Berloni, Vickie Blake, Katarina Bromkamp, Amy Buckley, Amy Maude Helfer, Brian Michael Henry, and Nathan Russo. The remainder of the von Trapp children are played by Mia Biondi, Kaiya Colquhoun, Gavin Holwitt, Lily Lawrence, Bryn Martin, Alisdair McLaren, Emma Needleman, Parker Grey Nelson, Tess Santarsiero, Viviana Velasquez, Gabrielle Walker, and Silas Webb.
Scenic designer Cully Long has created a wonderful space for this production to live within. The mountains are constantly present, glowing in the background of each scene, which I loved. The stone steps and arches are reused for the different locales by changing out accent pieces and adding additional furniture here and there – all effective and aesthetically pleasing choices. Lighting designer Marcus Abbott creates a colorful world with his design choices, my particular favorites being the soft forest pattern and color during “The Sound of Music” and the different color choices to highlight the mountains always lingering in the back of each scene. Costumes by designer Kate Bunce and wigs by designer Elizabeth A. Saylor are all beautifully done. The array of patterns and character styles help to round out the world the production lives within, my particular favorites being the costumes worn by the von Trapp children when they come in with their “play clothes” for the first time, as well as the entire von Trapp ensemble near the close of the show as they perform at the Festival. The costumes for Elsa Schraeder are also a step above.
The Sound of Music at Ivoryton Playhouse is a charming trip down memory lane with a truly classic musical. The cast is talented, with a standout in Adrianne Hick as the iconic Maria Rainer, and the overall production design is very well done. It’s a wonderful evening of theatre – catch The Sound of Music before it closes on July 30.
The Sound of Music will run from June 29-July 30 at Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, CT. Tickets are $60 for adults, $55 for seniors, and $25 for students. Tickets are available online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 860.767.7318. For more information on the entire 2023 season, visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.
Kiersten Bjork is a theatremaker and reviewer for the Connecticut Critics Circle from Branford, CT.
John Demetre and Rebecca Ellis are both enjoyable to watch in the featured roles of Franz and Frau Schmidt of the von Trapp household. Like Rolf, Franz’s character possesses a similar arc, and Demetre takes the audience on that journey. Ellis’ performance is simple yet efficient, and I particularly enjoyed the scene in which she reveals to Maria the reason behind the Captain’s strict running of his household.
Ivoryton’s production is supported by a strong ensemble of performers who work hard to bring this tale to life, including Jenna Berloni, Vickie Blake, Katarina Bromkamp, Amy Buckley, Amy Maude Helfer, Brian Michael Henry, and Nathan Russo. The remainder of the von Trapp children are played by Mia Biondi, Kaiya Colquhoun, Gavin Holwitt, Lily Lawrence, Bryn Martin, Alisdair McLaren, Emma Needleman, Parker Grey Nelson, Tess Santarsiero, Viviana Velasquez, Gabrielle Walker, and Silas Webb.
Scenic designer Cully Long has created a wonderful space for this production to live within. The mountains are constantly present, glowing in the background of each scene, which I loved. The stone steps and arches are reused for the different locales by changing out accent pieces and adding additional furniture here and there – all effective and aesthetically pleasing choices. Lighting designer Marcus Abbott creates a colorful world with his design choices, my particular favorites being the soft forest pattern and color during “The Sound of Music” and the different color choices to highlight the mountains always lingering in the back of each scene. Costumes by designer Kate Bunce and wigs by designer Elizabeth A. Saylor are all beautifully done. The array of patterns and character styles help to round out the world the production lives within, my particular favorites being the costumes worn by the von Trapp children when they come in with their “play clothes” for the first time, as well as the entire von Trapp ensemble near the close of the show as they perform at the Festival. The costumes for Elsa Schraeder are also a step above.
The Sound of Music at Ivoryton Playhouse is a charming trip down memory lane with a truly classic musical. The cast is talented, with a standout in Adrianne Hick as the iconic Maria Rainer, and the overall production design is very well done. It’s a wonderful evening of theatre – catch The Sound of Music before it closes on July 30.
The Sound of Music will run from June 29-July 30 at Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, CT. Tickets are $60 for adults, $55 for seniors, and $25 for students. Tickets are available online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 860.767.7318. For more information on the entire 2023 season, visit ivorytonplayhouse.org.
Kiersten Bjork is a theatremaker and reviewer for the Connecticut Critics Circle from Branford, CT.