There’s not a weak link in the cast, led by the effervescent, sincere Kaila Szafranski as Maria. Quentin Brainard made the Captain-Von-Trapp transition from disciplinarian, to Maria’s spouse and fellow family singer — after the more glamorous charms of Else (Tricia Rogers, who also served as vocal director) proved false. Owosso favorite Mike Windnagle was perfect as Max the endearing friend with mushy principals in the face of the Nazi takeover.
The children and the nuns were well-oiled machines of music. My only problem with Mother Superior Rachel Cupples, was that she was too young and beautiful to fit my wise-old-motherly stereotype. (Maybe I just can’t forget her star portrayal of the Most Beautiful Sister in last summer’s Head Over Heels?) She did a wonderful job, despite her inappropriate youth and beauty, and totally delivered on the show-stopper song, Climb Every Mountain.
I loved the set: a majestic mountain panorama (scenic painters Robyn King Lentz, Josh Holliday and Peggy Garikes) served as a backdrop for all the scenes. Lighting and dropping chandeliers and/or decorative columns or abbey window cutouts artistically delivered indoor/outdoor/abbey scenes (Set designers Dirk Rennick and Dan Wenslick)
Having the fly space to run large pieces up and down is a theatrical luxury at the Lebowsky Center — as is the deep orchestra pit with conductor on a video screen on the face of the balcony so musicians can be “out of the way” and yet the actors can be cued/conducted. Musical Director, Jillian Boots led a wonderful 16-member orchestra.
Choreorapher Erica Bradley always shines in the more flashy “showgirl” shows at Lebowsky, but this show brought out her more subtle, playful, imaginative movements, simple enough to be well executed by the charming assortment of Von Trapp children ranging from high school senior to second grade: Lauren Schorfhaar, Evan Worden, Quinn Schemenauer, Isaac Feldpausch, Isla Britten, Leighton Latz, Scarlett Duffield. Leisl (Lauren Schorfhaar) and Rolf (Joe Gill) flirted sweetly through dance in the “16 Going on 17” number.
The Sound of Music can seem a bit of an “old chestnut” but it has earned its classic status — and feels a little more ominous in light of the new Ukrainian war sparking memories of the pre-World War II era when this show is set. It is loosely based on a true story of Maria and the real Von Trap Family Singers.
Shows continue through March 6 - 8pm Fri/Sat; 3pm Sat/Sun (two shows Saturdays) It is well worth the 45-minutes-ish drive to Owosso (less if you live on the east side.)
https://lebowskycenter.com/the-sound-of-music/