By Torri Adams
Utah Shakespeare Festival’s The Sound of Music in Cedar City is not one to miss. The Sound of Music is a multi-award-winning musical that has been a “favorite thing” of audiences since 1959. Created from a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse (based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp), and music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, it’s no wonder that this musical has become a timeless classic.
Daria Pilar Redus plays the lead, Maria Rainer, with emotion and authenticity. She makes you believe every moment is the first time she’s experiencing it. One of the greatest examples of Redus’s pure and natural performance is during the well-known number “Do-Re-Mi.” I had never laughed at the lyrics of that song until witnessing Redus portray Maria as she teaches the children to sing. Redus’s facial expressions and mannerisms make it obvious Maria is inventing clever ways for the children to remember each note on the spot. There is a split-second when Maria isn’t able to quickly devise a memorable quip for “La.” Consequently, she settles on the simple “a note to follow ‘So’” and carries on. I found it quite amusing. Along with her memorable character, Redus’s voice is a standout in the production. She displays her talent with intricate harmonies and a wide vocal range, hitting every note and sounding marvelous all the while.
Michael Sharon gives a wonderful performance as Captain Georg von Trapp. He alternates from being strict to showing vulnerability as needed. You can see his determination and his conflict when he faces different situations as well as interacts with different characters. His voice is both strong and tender as required in whichever number he is singing. Sharon’s performance of “Edelweiss” exposes another layer of the Captain with a sincerity that gave me chills. With such a variety of complex attitudes, this character requires a specific set of talents, and Sharon fits the bill.
The children’s most poignant moment for me was when Captain von Trapp firsts hears them sing “The Sound of Music.” Having just been reprimanded by Maria for not knowing his own children, he pauses as he hears their angelical singing and watches them enter the room. Taken aback at first, he soon realizes that he truly hasn’t been seeing or loving them befittingly for quite some time. The moment he takes his youngest in his arms to hug her for the first time in who knows how long, was the most tender of the entire production, and I had to fight back tears witnessing that intimacy between parent and child.
The show is double cast for the roles of the children, excepting the eldest daughter, Liesl (Julia Kuzmich). The cast we saw was delightful, and I have no doubt that any of the young actors will bring a fantastic performance. I was extremely impressed at how professional the children were. They are always on cue and their movement and dancing is precise. During “Do-Re-Mi” the children have a section where they are each doing unique choreography. Doing something completely different from the person next to you, especially at the speed they do it, is a most impressive feat. Kudos to director and choreographer Kennon Hooks.
Other memorable songs with the children are “So Long, Farewell,” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” “So Long, Farewell” is just as adorable and charming as one might expect. Alan Patrick Kenny (Music Director/Conductor) coached the children, as well as the remaining cast, to a successful end. Kuzmich is a beautiful Liesl alongside the dashing Rolf (Ethan Van Slyke), and their chemistry during “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” is exactly right for a first love. It is clear that Kuzmich is a trained dancer. The choreography during the number is graceful and fun, and both Kuzmich and Van Slyke make it look effortless and flawless.
The sisters of Nonnberg Abbey carry their difficult musical numbers with a poised grace. Lisa Strum as The Mother Abbess is phenomenal. With a strong voice and understanding heart, she employs her wisdom and gentility to help nudge Maria in the right direction. This is exceptionally demonstrated in her solo of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”
The others often seen in the Von Trapp household are just as excellent in their roles. I particularly enjoyed Michael Fitzpatrick as Max Detweiler. He offers great comedic relief and is the needed frivolous balance to the Captain’s stern nature. On the night we attended, the role of Elsa Schraeder was played by the understudy, Bailey Blaise. She is poised and elegant, and like the rest of the cast, has a strong and beautiful voice. Had it not been announced, there would have been no indication that she wasn’t the usual actor to play this role.
Along with the amazing cast, the production designs were just right to bring the story to life. Costume Designer Brenda Van der Wiel excelled in her undertaking. Attaining the uniformity of the children, especially double cast, would not be an easy task. Each costume is perfectly appropriate for the character wearing it. I was particularly appreciative of the dirndl and lederhosen used at the end.
The musical itself is such a moving story and Utah Shakespeare Festival carries it off with exceptional merit. Be sure to get your tickets to see The Sound of Music in Cedar City this summer. It is the feel-good type of entertainment that families are looking for.
Utah Shakespeare Festival presents The Sound of Music, Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.
Utah Shakespeare Festival, 351 W Center Street, Cedar City, UT 84720
Select Dates June 23-October 8, 2022, 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Tickets: $35-90
Contact: 435-586-7878 or 1-800-PLAYTIX, guestservices@bard.org
Utah Shakespeare Festive Facebook Page
No children under 4 years old will be admitted into the theater.
Professional Childcare, 123 S 300 West Street, Cedar City, UT 84720
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