Theater review: 'The Sound of Music'
I hadn't been to a CenterStage Clovis Community Theater show in a couple of years, and at the encouragement of several readers decided to see the company's summer production of "The Sound of Music."
This big community production boasts some nice sets, a gratifyingly large and tuneful group of singing nuns and -- may the heavens be praised -- a live orchestra. The cast is energetic and works hard to develop a rapport with the audience.
Keeping in mind that I have different standards for amateur theater productions compared to professional companies, I have to say that compared to other community theater shows, I found this production (based on the Saturday matinee) adequate at best.
Director Susan Kehler struggles to find the sparkle in this show. The initial conflict -- between Maria (Nicole Saunders) and the seven rambunctious Von Trapp children she's sent to supervise -- isn't played to full effect. (There's too much giggling from the children, particularly during her initial songs, and not enough antagonism.) Awkward blocking and a tendency for characters to use overly mechanical movements in an attempt to match lyrics lessens the impact of such songs as "Sixteen Going on Seventeen." Later in the show, we somehow miss out on such emotive moments as the singing of "Edelweiss."
There are two standout performances: Jenny McCracken as the eldest daughter, Liesl; and Ashley Taylor as the snooty Elsa Schrader, the wealthy interloper who has her marriage eye on Capt. Von Trapp. Both excelled vocally, and they have a happy way on stage of connecting with their characters.
My favorite moment: when Maria returns to the Abbey to marry Von Trapp (Peter Allen), and the ensemble of nuns surrounds the audience to reprise "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria." The beautiful set, which recreates the stained glass windows of the chapel, looked spectacular, and the swell of the orchestra as the chorus came to a crescendo really stirred the soul.
My not so favorite moment(s): If the company has a wish list, at the top should be a better sound system. Many of the performers are overpowered by the orchestra.
Again, "The Sound of Music" can be a joy, and there's a lot of talent in this company. But this production doesn't achieve its full community theater potential.
Comments:
Um, I think you meant, "How do you Solve a Problem Like Maria." :)
I saw "Sound of Music" this weekend as well, and overall, I really enjoyed myself. The live music combined with the multitude of nuns actually gave me chills several times (especially during the wedding), and that doesn't happen often.
However, can I just say this-- I like the movie better. I know, I know-- we're supposed to be theatre purists here, but the writing actually bugged me, because there seemed to be so little time for any real growth. I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between Maria and the Captain (I actually felt more between the Captain and Elsa) but I can't decide if it's more the fault of the actors or the script. And don't get me started on "Ordinary Couple"-- Zzzzzz. Replacing that song was one of the best decisions the movie made.
Overall, I think it's solid show-- especially considering the price of the ticket. There were some definite weak points in casting, but the live orchestra sound, impressive lighting and sets combined with the voices made it well worth it. If I had paid RR prices, I might feel disappointed, but then again, I'm frequently disappointed when I pay RR prices. :)
Posted by: Elizabeth at July 23, 2007 8:15 AM
Which sorta renews our conversation from the Othello blog comments: How much should price affect our reviews/decisions about local theatre?
From Donald's previous statement, I inferred that he reviews shows pretty much the same if it's community theatre under $25 dollars.
Elizabeth (my newest fave comment person) notes she would have been more harsh if the show had cost a few more bucks.
Are there variations, and is that fair?
Posted by: Stephen at July 23, 2007 1:35 PM
I think it's completely fair. To be sure, everyone should have the goal of producing as close to a professional production as possible, but, I'm sorry-- I saw a live orchestra with a full stage for half the price of dinner theater (without the dinner!) in this town. I considered myself lucky. My opinions are going to be standard across the board, but I'm going to forgive companies that don't charge as much.
On the other hand, if we recall "South Pacific" last fall... I paid a fairly hefty amount for tickets to that show (happily, as I had friends in the cast to support) and had I not known people in the cast (and thereby, had an ulterior motive for seeing the production) I would have been upset at the money invested. Why bother paying professional prices to see amateur details like brightly colored glow tape on the stage?
Look, a good show is a good show is a good show, and that's what we should obviously strive for. My standard for what impresses me is going to remain the same (and, to be sure, "Sound of Music" varied on that scale), but after a show, I can ask myself "was that worth it?"
This one completely is.
Posted by: Elizabeth at July 23, 2007 2:19 PM
Hey Don, if it's not too much trouble could you give the approx. running time of these local theatre productions? I know it doesn't matter much for most with the weekend shows, but I work early mornings (I have to be at work at 4 a.m. on weekends) and the difference between a show ending at say 10 and 11 can be a big difference. We do it for movies, why not for theatre?
Posted by: Jason at July 23, 2007 8:36 PM
To Jason: The running-time thing is a good idea. I will try to include at least an approximate running time when I write up my reviews.
Posted by: Donald Munro at July 27, 2007 9:10 AM
Darth Kehler 4 ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Strix Zacifil at August 8, 2007 6:34 PM
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