One of the most popular American musicals of all time makes its debut at Milwaukee’s Skylight Music Theater as The Sound of Musictakes the Skylight stage for the first time in the company’s 54-year history. Pre-sale tickets were so strong that the show has been extended to an unprecedented eight-week run.
As the curtain rises, we are introduced to a somber group of nuns and their well-ordered life in an abbey at the foothills of the Austrian Alps. Meanwhile, one of the postulates, a young Maria, is nowhere to be found. She is joyfully singing and dancing on the mountainside. Only the Abbey’s bell reminds her that she has lost track of time. Maria struggles to collect her discarded shoes and dashes off to resume her religious training.
Even in the early scenes, one must come to terms with the notion that this Maria (Elizabeth Telford) is no clone of Julie Andrews, whose image is indelibly linked to the part. Telford is much younger than Andrews (which makes her closer in age to the real-life Maria). Telford’s unkempt curly hair, untied scarf and almost goofy playtime antics with the Von Trapp children make a far different impression than the earnest, graceful and gorgeous Maria that Andrews created. Instead, Telford demonstrates that Maria is hard-working, innovative, fun-loving and naturally intuitive about why she has been sent to this widower and his family of seven children.
At first, Telford seems to be trying too hard to make the character more gawky and unpolished than necessary. As a result, many of her early songs are delivered with a slightly breathless quality. Some of this can be attributed to her numerous entrances and exits down the theater’s long aisles. One understands that, with a cast of 63, director Molly Rhode needs to utilize every inch of performing space. But perhaps she should give Telford’s lungs a break.
Aside from a few opening-night set and lighting difficulties, the Skylight cast delivers a near-perfect performance. It pays tribute to the real-life story on which this show is based, about a family of Austrian singers who defy the German invasion in 1939 with a heroic escape.
Oscar and Hammerstein’s music is certainly a not-to-be-missed highlight of this show, and the cast makes the most of every chord. The Von Trapp children sing like angels, first in the clever “Do-Re-Mi” and then the adorable party song, “So Long, Farewell.” The children’s roles are split into two separate casts, and the “Raindrops” cast performed on opening night.
The oldest daughter, Liesl, is engagingly presented by newcomer Erin Stapleton. Her sweet duet in the villa’s garden with Rolf (Ryan Tutton), the messenger who is “seventeen-going-on-eighteen,” evokes the song’s tender, adolescent feelings. Stapleton also conveys the hurt and confusion Liesl feels when Rolf later treats her with businesslike indifference. Telford (Maria) and Stapleton (Liesl) actually behave more like friends than a mother-daughter combination as Maria counsels Liesl about her ideas of love. It’s nice to watch their relationship blossom.
One must not forget the show’s other key character, Captain von Trapp, played by Steve Koehler. He is indeed the military captain of the household, treating his children much like the sailors once under his command. Horrified, Maria announces upon her arrival that she will not put up with his nonsense. Koehler is visibly taken aback at her refusal to comply with his orders, and a challenge of wills begins between the two. Even the children appear shocked that someone would actually defy their father. This delicious set-up is carefully engineered so that the Captain eventually can thaw to Maria’s charms.
But first, von Trapp must deal with the manipulative Elsa (Kay Stiefel). She has used her womanly wiles to “trap” the Captain into an engagement. Unlike the film, there is no chemistry between these two. Elsa seems almost cartoon-ish. Her companion, the crafty Max Detweilier, comes off as a hilarious scoundrel as played by the Skylight’s artistic director, Bill Theisen. The quick parting between the Captain and Elsa is the show’s weakest point.
Back at the Abbey, however, the a cappella singing of nuns is a delightful treat. A 21-“nun” choir was assembled for this show, and they fill the theater to its rafters. The “lead singer” is Cynthia Marty as Mother Abbess. Her solo rendition of “Climb Every Mountain” makes a thrilling and spine-tingling first act finale.
Although there is nothing about Sound of Music that relates specifically to Christmas, the religious overtones and warm-hearted family story make it a natural for this time of year. This show is supported by excellent production elements, including beautifully rendered backdrops of the Alps as well as the von Trapp villa’s garden and terrace. The costumes seem particularly authentic for the story’s time and place, and each one is beautifully detailed.
It will be a long time before such a well-loved family musical as The Sound of Music makes its way to Milwaukee again. Local audiences will undoubtedly be talking about this Skylight show for years to come.
