Review: The Sound of Music

When a classic musical like the Sound of Music stops in Denver, you don’t have to tell me twice to take my seat. The spirited and upbeat character of Maria von Trapp has always been one of my favorites. Seeing her positive influence and upbeat personality help reconnect 7 young kids to their father, Captain von Trapp is the kind of feel good story that leaves an impact. Not to mention, when you add in the romantic twist, it becomes even sweeter.

The national tour plays at the Denver Center for Performing Arts through June 26. Kerstin Anderson is playing Maria von Trapp after she was discovered as a sophomore in musical theater at Pace University in New York. Easy to see why too- not only does she past the test for the character looks wise, but the playfulness and spirit she brings on stage is uncanny.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical played on Broadway in 1959 and were made into a film 6 years later.  Now, Jack O’Brien, a three-time Tony Award winner has put a spin on the show.

“We plan to look more closely at this remarkable work – to tear off the varnish of the past and reveal one of the great, fresh glories of musical theater,” says O’Brien. And audiences in Denver are among the first to the new production.

Among the changes you will notice a few new songs- “How Can Love Survive?” and “No Way to Stop It.” Both are sung by Frau Schraeder (Teri Hansen) the former fiancé of Captain von Trapp and Max Detweiler (Merwin Foard) the talent agent who discovers the von Trapp Family Singers.

Mother Abbess, played by Melody Betts, deserves a special note. She is an extraordinary powerhouse singer, who opened and closed the show, and is ultimately responsible for encouraging Maria to go back to the children and Captain after leaving when realizing she is falling in love. And Paige Silvester, who plays Liesl von Trapp, is a young talent that captivated the audience with songs like “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” The best part was seeing her coldness towards Maria turn to fondness.

The lighting and costume designs is worth a nod too, which absolutely radiates. Some of my favorite parts were the brilliant colors in the Alpine backdrops and the elaborate interiors of the von Trapp home featuring floor to ceiling windows and doors. Though, still the music and talent of the cast could carry through even without everything else being tops.