'The Sound of Music' a delightful plus on The Murfreesboro Post

Sidebar Ads

'The Sound of Music' a delightful plus

Related Articles

Two artists converge on CFTA in February

‘Cabaret’ coming to Murfreesboro stage

Weekend Planner: Calling all Polar bears

Opening night of 'Guys and Dolls' set for Friday

Support arts, win car

Theater notches up scare factor

Nashville Unleashed returns to Murfreesboro

First call for 'Nuncrackers'

CFA presents 'Back to Back'

'Anything Goes' at Center for the Arts

View All

By: MIKE WEST

Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 11:33 am

'The Sound of Music' a delightful plus | Center for the Arts

Photo by Phil Brackett

A strong cast breathed new life into “The Sound of Music” at The Center for the Arts.

The musical, directed by Anthony Cimino, is bolstered by a great cast of experienced artists and eager young actors and actresses and continues through June 28.

It stars the talented Katherine Sandoval Taylor in her CFA debut. Polished and professional, Taylor leads the cast in a spirited rendition of the classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical.

Perhaps the brightest musical star to ever grace the CFA stage, Taylor swoops the cast into an enthusiastic interpretation of the Broadway/film classic. She has a masters degree from New England Conservatory and maintains a private voice studio in the area.

In addition to her wonderful, controlled soprano voice, Taylor interacted perfectly with the strong cast of children lead by 15-year-old Center for the Arts favorite Kaylie Hackett in the role of Liesl.

Hackett led the cast of eight children, which included Luin Turner as talented Friedrich, Mandi Davis as outspoken Louisa, Jay Hicks as smiling Kurt, Becca Brackett as outspoken Brigitta, Emily Conley as shy Marta and Camyrn Adcock as the irrepressible Gretl. Each was perfect in their interaction with Maria, making the performance so enjoyable.

One of the strongest scenes was “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” featuring Mother Abbess (Fran Gebuhr). Fran has more than 25 years experience on the musical stage and has appeared in 31 productions with the Nashville Opera ensemble.

The cast excelled in enthusiastic renditions of “Do-Re-Me,” “Song Long, Farewell” and “The Lonely Goatherd” featuring Maria and the children was one of the best performances of the play.

Filled with youthful energy, “The Lonely Goatherd” began quietly with Maria trying to tuck her self into bed. Thunder and lightning followed with a progression of youngsters joining her in the room. As she rips through the bright song in delightful fashion, the children dance joyfully as Maria sings the bright, fun (did we mention fast) song.

The high spirit was contagious as it was with “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” featuring Kayle Hackett as Liesel and Justin Mangrum as Rolf. The flirty number was spirited and featured great dancing, and singing, by the couple.

Contrasting with the upbeat attitude were the somber scenes set at the Abbey uplifted by the enthusiasm of Maria and her guiding spirit, the Mother Abbess, who kept pointing Maria to her true goal in life.

Standing strong in contrast was Kinsey Brewer as Max Detweiler. At ease on stage, Brewer played Detweiler as part con man but ultimately reluctant patriot as he plotted the family’s escape from the Nazis.

Detweiler was able to make quick, easy transitions from working with the children to appearing with Julie Wilcox as the elegant, other worldly Elsa Schraeder. Besides bringing upper class sass to the role of Capt. Georg von Trapp’s spurned lover, Wilcox did a delightful job as choreographer for the production.

Performances of the play continue through June 28 at The Center For the Arts at 110 W. College St., Murfreesboro. Performances are Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Call 615-904-ARTS or www.BoroArts.org.

Tagged under Center for the Arts

Member Opinions:

By: lovecollies on 6/17/09
We saw this play last Friday evening, and we loved it! What an enjoyable evening. It was our first visit to the Center for the Arts, but certainly not our last. Some other wonderful shows are planned for the rest of the year, and our family plans to attend as many as we can. Also, the price is very, very affordable. My thanks to the entire cast and crew for a wonderful show!

By: GrumpaEd on 6/18/09
We took in the show last Saturday afternoon. It was by far one of the best, if not the best, productions presented. A key to the success was that most performers were miked and therefore able to be heard throughout the auditorium.

Hopefuly future performances will be simarly equipped. Thank you Mr Smith.

By: darthvol on 6/18/09
YOU MUST SEE THIS SHOW. This play was simply outstanding. The cast was SO talented - Ms. Taylor and the kids were unbelievable. The remainder of the cast really showed the depth of talent in the play - the nuns sang beautifully. I also noticed the improvements made to the Center. I truly believe that this play and Mr. Cimino's leadership have put the Center of the Arts at a whole new (much higher) level. Many thanks to the cast and crew for such an inspiring show. I can't wait to see the next Center of the Arts production! I'm pumped!