[NEohioPAL] Review of "The Sound of Music" at Porthouse Theatre

[Bob Abelman]

The hills of Cuyahoga Falls are alive with 'The Sound of Music'

 

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This review will appear in the News-Herald on 8/03/12

 

Despite lyrics that include "flibbertijibbet" and "will-o'-the wisp," Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's songs in "The Sound of Music" still hold up beautifully.  They are, in fact, as melodic, moving and magical as when they were written in the 1950s. 

 

And, while Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse's script is a tad incredulous-what with the von Trapp children falling in love with their nun-turned-governess Maria upon the first refrain of "Do-Re-Mi," Maria falling madly in love with the emotionally inaccessible Captain von Trapp at first glace, and all of Austria falling in love with fascism by the end of the first Act-it is all too easy to fall in love with this story if productions of it are done well.

 

The Porthouse Theatre production of "The Sound of Music" is done well.  Very well.

 

The audience is won over quickly, the moment the Sisters of Nonnberg Abbey hit the stage during the opening number and offer an impressive 21-nun salute to the Gregorian chant.  Actually, the huge, full-throated ensemble led by Maria Berg as Mother Abbess, Lenne Snively as Sister Berthe, Lauren Culver as Sister Sophia and Lissy Gulick as Sister Margaretta don't so much hit the stage as invade it from all sides.  

 

They return en mass for a magnificently staged second Act wedding between Maria and the Captain and, again, during the show's dramatic finale.  The amphitheater is filled with a joyous noise that resonates to the rafters and drifts into the surrounding Cuyahoga Falls countryside.  The hills truly are alive with "The Sound of Music."

 

In between these uplifting musical moments, director Terri Kent, musical director Jonathan Swoboda and choreographer MaryAnn Black deliver a thoroughly entertaining rendition of this classic piece of musical theater.  

 

Unlike Porthouse's recent production of "Damn Yankees," which imploded under the weight of its own datedness, "The Sound of Music" is delivered on gossamer wings.  It is as fresh as when first produced for the Broadway stage in 1959 and is as vibrant as the 1965 film version of the musical.

 

Much of the show's spark comes courtesy of Kayce Cummings, who gives Maria an attitudinal fortitude all her own yet one perfectly aligned with the recognizable and unavoidable Julie Andrew-isms that come attached to the role.  Cummings is a delightful presence on stage, as well as a jaw-dropping triple-threat performer.

 

In a unique bit of casting, four young Nelson girls anchor the von Trapp family.  Living, breathing Cabbage Patch Kids, Courtney, Cameron, Cassidy and Carly Nelson are joined by the equally adorable Samuel Culver as Kurt, Cameron Howell as Frederick, and a very talented Lucy Anders as the eldest sibling, Liesl.  Anders' performance of "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" with a superb Kyle Kemph as Rolph is a song and dance highlight in a production jam-packed with them.

 

Surrounding the featured cast is an A-list of supporting players, including Eric van Baars as Max and Lisa Kuhnen as Elsa.  They have the dubious task of delivering much of the play's intrigue and exposition, and do so with great charm.

 

Odd man out in this production is Larry Nehring as Captain von Trapp.  A superb character actor whose lanky body is so endowed with musicality that it seems to move while stationary, Nehring is painfully constrained in a suit and the Captain's stoic demeanor.  His second Act transformation into a caring father and accessible husband-another incredulous element in the script-seems a great relief for Nehring and those watching him, but it comes too late to make much of a difference.     

 

Those familiar with the film version of "The Sound of Music" will find all the same songs in this stage production, but will find it odd that "My Favorite Things" occurs in a different context and between different characters.  Those familiar with the original Broadway production will find several songs missing, replaced by those written specifically for the film.

 

Scenic designer Nolan O'Dell employs massive, movable pieces to represent the play's various locations throughout Saltzburg, all of which are attractive enough to sustain the romanticism that permeates this play and mobile enough to keep the action flowing.  All this is nicely complemented by T.C. Kouyeas, Jr.'s dramatic lighting and Sarah Russell's spot-on costuming. 

 

It is not easy for a contemporary stage production to compete with the play's filmic legacy.  This production does so in spectacular fashion.  

 

"The Sound of Music" continues through August 12 at Porthouse Theatre, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cuyahoga Falls.  For tickets, $17 to $33, call 330-672-3884 or visit www.porthousetheatre.com.
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