That is one of the central questions presented in the opening act of Rogers' and Hammerstein's musical, "The Sound of Music." For local theaters, like Half Moon Bay's Coastal Repertory Theatre, the question might be, "How do you solve the problem of producing such a famous play in community theater?"
Director Jim Ward and the Coastal Repertory Theatre came up with the perfect answer, as evidenced by the standing ovation as the curtain closed on opening night.
 Maria (Amy Cowan) leads the von Trapp children (including, from left, Katie Hontalas, Owen Putz, Cody Putz,) in joyous song in 'The Sound of Music.' |
A few challenges present themselves when it comes to recreating this theatrical masterpiece. The Coastal Repertory Theatre's stage is small and the musical covers a lot of physical ground; the characters are complex and the vocals are demanding.
The company addressed these issues by thinking out of the box and working beyond these limitations. Several quick costume changes took place on stage to save time and condense the epic movie into a three-hour stage production. The quick pace of the play allowed the musical to maintain steam and energy.
Limiting the play to two main locations, Nonnberg Abbey and The Von Trapp Villa meant that only minimal space was needed. The actors exceeded the stage boundaries when Herr Zeller (Evan Saunders) and a soldier stood at the entrance to the auditorium and watched the Von Trapp family perform on stage. Their menacing presence loomed through the theater and the concept was a fresh approach to utilize the space to full effect.
Doug Mallon's set designs were magical compared to many other community theater sets and effectively brought a touch of Austria to the coast. The backdrop of the Austrian hillside was vibrant and used in a conceptually innovative manner when the Von Trapp family ascends an unseen staircase that represents the mountains as the famous song "Climb any Mountain" was sung.
From the opening song, "Preludium," sung a cappella by the nuns of Nonnberg Abbey, the audience was aware that the evening would be a night of spectacular vocal accomplishments.
When Maria's voice (Amy Cowan) rang across the stage and infiltrated the small theater for the first time that evening, the audience was all smiles. No one was disappointed that Julie Andrews wasn't performing the magnificent part.
The musical was carried on the backs of the Von Trapp children. They were perfectly cast angelic imitations of the adored characters from the movie. There was a true sense of camaraderie among the children and it was apparent that the kids felt like siblings. All the popular songs, including "Do-Re-Mi," "So long, Farewell," and "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" were pleasantly rendered.
One of the musical's most complex and enjoyable characters, Max Detweiler, played by Mallon, provided necessary comic relief for the weighty content of the play. His jovial cackle belied his duplicitous character, but the audience can't help but adore him.
The Sound of Music was an amazing opener to the Coastal Repertory Theatre's 21st season. Around the holidays, uplifting family success stories like this are sure to warm hearts.
The Sound of Music will be performed at the Coastal Repertory Theatre, located at 1167 Main St., Half Moon Bay, though Dec. 16. Performances will be held at on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Two additional shows have been added at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14. The theater suggests that tickets be purchased in advanced. Tickets may be purchased at the box office, online at www.coastalrep.com or by phone at (650) 569-3266.
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