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

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.