The Sound of Music – Review by Bonnie Goldberg

If there are hills in the town of Ivoryton, then surely they would be alive and reverberating with “the sound of music.” Until Sunday July 30, the Ivoryotn Playhouse will graciously and beautifully recreate this beloved musical with book by Howard Lindsey and Russel Crouse, and music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for your total enjoyment.

in Austria in 1938, a young postulate wanting to become a nun is hired to be a governess for seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp. With his wife deceased, the Captain has made his children into a military camp, calling them with whistles and not permitting love, play or music to enter their lives. As the Nais come to power and try to overrun Austria, the presence of a new governess, an enthusiastic and spirited Maria, cloaked in the sunshine of Adrianne Hick, changed all their fortunes. In the process she melts the heart of the stern patriarch, captured to perfection by David Pittsinger and she finds her true calling. Patricia Schuman’s Mother Abbess gently convinces Maria of the direction her life should take.

This glorious musical has it all: adorable but starved for affection children, a military man parent who has forgotten happiness, a convent of nuns who only wish the best for their overly exuberant novice, an astute woman (Beverley J, Ricci) who sides with the Germans and desires to marry the Captain, an old friend Max (R. Bruce Connelly) who sees opportunities at every turn and an unsure-of-her-heart postulate who loves to sing and bring joy. Artistic director Jacqueline Hubbard directs this truly special family favorite, with an exceptional cast.

With a parade of engaging songs, from “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” “The Sound of Music.” “Edelweiss,” to “So Long, Farewell,” this production is stuffed with signature moments. The story is based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp and, originally, was not conceived as a musical. Thankfully that changes into this heartwarming tale that the world cherishes today.

For tickets ($60 adults, $55 seniors, $25 students), call the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton at 860-767-7318 or online at ivorytonplayhouse.org. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Sunday.

Mark your calendars for a festive fundraiser on Monday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. when Ivoryton’s favorite singer and musician David Lutken offers boot stompin’ country fun, with food, drinks, an auction and hootenanny Call 860-767-7318 to reserve your place at “Chords for Boards.”

Celebrate summer by bringing the whole family to experience the beloved and glorious “The Sound of Music.” You will treasure every moment.