Quote of the Day: Music – what a powerful instrument, what a mighty weapon! Quote from Maria Augusta Kutschera Von Trapp, used in the program notes by Max Wojtanowicz, the director of The Sound of Music at Artistry in Bloomington, MN, through May 12, 2024. Music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Directed by Max Wojtanowicz. Musical Direction by Raymond Berg. Choreography by Gabrielle Dominique. 

Sheena Janson Kelley as Maria in The Sound of Music, at Artistry thru 5/12/24. Photo Dan Norman

Like many people, The Sound of Music is an all-time favorite musical. We have memories of watching it on television while growing up, the family sitting around the living room together, singing along to the songs! Whenever anyone produces a stage production of this musical, folks fill the seats, selling out nearly every performance. Why do we love The Sound of Music so much? Well, of course, the movie imprinted on us, and we fell in love with Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and all those adorable children. And, we love the stage productions because we recognize the songs and find the story endearing. It’s not the same experience as the movie. Obviously, different actors are playing the roles. The stage version and the film have a few differences, naturally. Some of the songs are in different places. But, what keeps us coming back to revisit the story is that we love to fall in love with the characters, and watch them fall in love with each other. The kids are talented and adorable, and the music is lovely and filled with singable tunes. All this is set to the backdrop of the start of World War II, a terrible time in history. We admire the captain for sticking to his convictions and refusing to bow to the demands of the Nazis, even as it destroys the life he’s built. 

Rodolopho Nieto as Captain von Trapp, Stephanie Cousins and the Children in The Sound of Music, at Artistry thru 5/12/24. Photo: Dan Norman

Director Max Wojtanowicz brings out all the heart that this show has to offer. Sheena Janson Kelley as Maria, the unsuspecting governess who will never become a nun, is absolutely stunning in this iconic role. Her voice is lovely, soaring to the rafters with the high notes, and knocking our socks off with the low notes. She quickly endears herself the the Captain’s seven children, and they all perform beautifully together, showing such delight in their performances, acting like real siblings, bumping and teasing each other, then coming together to sing and support Maria. They were a delight to watch.

Rodolfo Nieto is marvelous as the stoic Captain Von Trapp. His deep voice and strong presence cover up the pain that the Captain feels after the death of his wife. He is unsettled by Maria’s frankness and bold way of standing up to him. And, yes, the Lindner dance is still a favorite part of the show, where we watch them fall in love. Sigh. If only it could end after the wedding scene. (That’s where my mom always wanted it to end.)

Rodolopho Nieto as Captain von Trapp, Sheena Janson Kelley as Maria and the Children in The Sound of Music, at Artistry thru 5/12/24. Photo: Dan Norman

One difference between the film and the stage version of the show is that Max Dettweiler (Phinehas Bynum) and Baroness Elsa Schraeder (Stephanie Cousins) sing. They have a fun song, How Can Love Survive? with Captain von Trapp after she meets his children. The Baroness is tall and elegant (with a lovely singing voice), with gorgeous costumes that are flowing and colorful. Phinehas Bynum brings out the humor in Max, but also his need to please the powers that be, and serve his own interests.

Stephanie Cousins as Elsa Schraeder, Rodolopho Nieto as Captain von Trapp, and Phinehas Bynum as Max Dettweiler in The Sound of Music, at Artistry thru 5/12/24. Photo: Dan Norman

Junia Morrow is a darling Liesl, in love with the messenger boy Rolf Gruber (Liam Beck-O’Sullivan). As always, I loved their duet on the garden, Sixteen Going on Seventeen. Their voices blend nicely, and they are lovely dancers. All the children are terrific, bringing personality to each character. Of course, Greta nearly steals the show, but interacts nicely with everyone, especially Maria. I loved the scene where she teaches them Do-Re-Mi, bringing Greta’s hand up and down with the movement of the notes. And, her wave at the end was… heartbreaking.

Susan Hofflander and the Nun chorus in The Sound of Music at Artistry thru 5/12/24. Photo: Dan Norman

The nun chorus is absolutely stunning. They are superb singers, their harmonies were perfect. Susan Hofflander as Mother Abbess was beyond glorious. She has a powerful, beautiful voice, and I’ve never loved Climb Every Mountain more than when she sang it. I thought we might stand and give her an ovation! What a treat to see and hear this world renowned singer/performer. Her duets/scenes with Maria were also very beautiful and heartfelt.

Susan Hofflander as Mother Abbess and Sheena Janson Kelley as Maria in The Sound of Music, at Artistry thru 5/12/24. Photo Dan Norman

Raymond Berg directs the live orchestra on stage, behind the action. They were superb, as well. Gabrielle Dominique is the choreographer, giving each scene/song just the right amount of movement that enhances the song and action. Nat Koch-Smith is the costume designer. Such gorgeous costumes, many flowy dresses for the ladies (especially the baroness) and smart suits for the men, and the kids’ clothes were great! Katie Phillips designed the simple and versatile set. Lighting design by Karin Olson, and sound design by Katharine Horowitz. 

You can see this beautiful production of The Sound of Music at Artistry in Bloomington through May 12, 2024. Hurry, though, performances are already selling out!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What do you love about this classic musical? Do you have other favorites, or special memories from childhood around stories, films, and music?