The Arts Club Theatre Company brings back Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music to the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage this Holiday season until December 24th. Previously staged in 2019, this post-pandemic production wraps the audience once again in the comforting, familiar warmth of the classic musical.
With the film version of The Sound Of Music on repeat throughout the holidays, audience expectations are likely high for the musical version but every song you expect and love from the 1965 movie is present and accounted for, along with ones that were cut from the film. Many of the 2019 cast return notably; Jason Sakaki as 17 going on 18 delivery boy, Rolf, Andrew Cownden as over-the-top producer Max Detwiller and Meghan Gardiner as the glamours ‘other woman’ Elsa Schraeder (as well as Sister Sophia).
New to this year’s cast are the outstanding Chelsea Rose as Maria, who’s chemistry with the children makes her so believable as the wide-eyed innocent governess. Her voice, both powerful but light contrasts to the masterful depths of Damian Atkins’ Captain Georg von Trapp. Megan Latham makes her Arts Club debut as The Mother Abbess and delivers a roof-shaking powerhouse performance in the iconic Climb Every Mountain. Rounding out the main cast are the amazing children, lead by 16 going on 17 eldest daughter Liesl von Trapp, played with sweet innocence by Sarah Cantuba, belying the strength behind her voice.
photo: Moonrider Productions
The amazing cast, surrounded by the late Drew Facey’s brilliant set & costumes, bring to life 1938 Austria to create the joy and love of Maria and the von Trapp family becoming one. The production doesn’t shy away from the Third Reich Flag, the Nazi symbolism jolting us into reality and perhaps a bit of a needed timely reminder that love and hope conquers all.
Even if you’ve never seen any production of The Sound of Music, everyone can find something to love, and will surely leave humming a familiar tune as the music enters your soul and leaves a lasting legacy on audiences. To really ‘feel’ the music, take part in the Sing-Along Sound of Music performances, November 24 and December 10, 2022. Other special performances include a Relaxed Performance on November 27, Talkback Tuesday on November 29 and VocalEye performances December 4 and 9, 2022
The Arts Club Theatre Company’s The Sound of Music plays until December 24, 2022 at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street. Showtimes and tickets available online at artsclub.com