By Eliza Dosch
Roger and Hammerstein’s beloved production, The Sound of Music, based on the true story of “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp, has transported audiences all over the world to the mountains of Austria for many, many years. This year, the desert and the red cliffs of Ivins, UT are alive with the sound of music as this timeless classic is performed on Tuacahn Amphitheatre’s outdoor stage, directed by Tim Threlfall, with music by Christopher Babbage, and choreographed by Mara Newby Greer.
It is quite the treat to see Maria (Elisabeth Evans) frolic through the desert hills, singing the opening number, “The Sound of Music,” as the sun finishes setting. Evans’s gorgeous voice lights up the canyon, and she brings such a lovely, playful aspect to Maria. Before your very eyes, the stage is seamlessly transformed into a cathedral, thanks to the brilliant set design of Brad Shelton, Tuacahn’s resident scenic designer. At the abbey, Mother Abbess (Meg Bussert), Sister Berthe (Heidi Anderson), Sister Margaretta (Emilie Renier), and Sister Sophia (Rachel Robertson Cox) charm the audience with the humor of “Maria.” The dynamic between these sisters is absolutely delightful. Each actress has a beautiful singing voice and brings a unique character to the stage.
After Maria is sent away to be a governess, we meet the stern and strict Captain von Trapp (Dallyn Vail Bayles), the father of seven children: Liesel (Emily Grace Tucker), Friedrich (Gabe Layton), Louisa (Stella Rose), Kurt (Ezekiel Weir), Brigitta (Lilly Mae Stover), Marta (Lydia Ricks), and Gretl (Harper Griffith). The captain runs his house like he ran his ship, and it is lovely to watch Bayles as the captain’s character develops and begins to soften after Maria enters the home and teaches the children how to sing. Griffith is a star, flawlessly executing music and dance numbers despite her young age. Ricks delightfully fills her role. Stover steals the show in a moment that is key to Maria and the captain’s romance, which I won’t spoil for you right now. Weir brings a bright, youthful energy to the stage, Rose brings the perfect sense of mischief needed to play the family prankster, and Layton excellently plays a protective older brother to his younger siblings.
Tucker performs beautifully in her duet with Rolf (Brady Miller). Both performers sing wonderfully together and have that special chemistry that all young lovers should have. It’s fun to watch as Tucker’s character, Liesel, goes from not wanting a governess to developing a wonderful relationship with Maria, something that I commend both Tucker and Evans for. In fact, Evans establishes a special relationship with each of the seven children over the course of the show. Each relationship grows magnificently throughout the performance.
The dynamic of the von Trapp children themselves is very fun to see as well. It’s delightful to watch as they go from marching in uniform to being able to play and be kids again. All of the children sing incredibly well alone as well as together. They blend like a choir, and each has depth and expression in his or her performance. They are all very advanced in their trade for such young actors.
As the story line progresses, we meet Baroness Elsa Schrader (Lindsay Roginski), who Captain von Trapp intends to marry, and Max (Jim J. Bullock), a close friend to the von Trapp family. Max and Elsa have a fun dynamic between each other as they discuss just how and when the captain will propose. Bullock provides comedic relief when the heavy political issues building up to the start of World War II are brought up in conversation. Perhaps my favorite thing about Roginski’s performance is that she does not play to the evil stepmother trope, a direction the Baroness could easily be taken. Elsa simply is a successful woman who loves the captain, but political differences make it apparent that a marriage would not be compatible between them. This gives room for a romance to blossom between the captain and Maria after Maria returns from running back to the abbey.
After Maria runs away to the abbey to escape her feelings, the Reverend Mother councils her to follow her heart and find her dream in “Climb Every Mountain.” Bussert nails this difficult and iconic song with incredible storytelling ability and a lovely vocal tone and vibrato as she sings, creating a breathtaking moment as the first act ends.
During the second act, as the romance between Maria and the captain blooms and grows, Evans and Bayles blend beautifully together in song, and their onstage chemistry is amazing. They’re like two souls that searched for a long time to find each other and finally did, despite all odds. The love that they have for each other and the children is apparent.
Without Tuacahn’s entire cast and crew, this show would not be possible, especially the strong ensemble that works together so well and, by doing so, puts this performance of The Sound of Music at a higher level. I recognize the lighting designer (Craig Stelzenmuller) for creating the breathtaking moments in the cathedral, as well as the costume designer (Janet Swenson) for paying so much attention to the detail of the time period and making the costumes unique and fun throughout the production. Also, a special thanks to the rest of the crew. Without you, none of this would be possible.
*Those with sensory issues be advised: there are flashing lights and sudden loud noises in this production.
Tuacahn Amphitheatre presents The Sound of Music, Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Music by Richard Rodgers.
Tuacahn Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah 84738
August 7, 8, 2019, 8:45 PM
August 12, 15, 17, 20, 22, 26, 28, 31, 2019, 8:30 PM
September 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 25, 27, 2019, 8:00 PM
October 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 18, 23, 26, 2019, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $32.00-$99.00
Box Office: 800-746-9882 or 435-652-3300
Tuacahn Amphitheatre Website
The Sound of Music Facebook Event
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