Dallas Theater Center Presents “The Sound of Music”
Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
Directed by Kevin Moriarty
My thoughts on The Sound of Music or Nuns, Nazis, and Non-Stop Wonder.
Step One: Get the movie out of your head. Forget the song order and many of the plot devices.
Step Two: Prepare yourself for Director Kevin Moriarty’s inventive and heartfelt look at a musical theater classic.
Truth be told, I struggled with Step One during the first few minutes of the play. Where are those famous “hills” that Maria keeps singing about? The answer is they are painted on the floor of renowned Broadway Scenic Designer Beowulf Boritt’s magnificent set. These “hills,” so beloved by most of the characters, become omnipresent and a constant reminder of their Austrian homeland.
Multiple Tony winner Boritt’s set with its stunning stained-glass window, exquisitely lighted by Jason Lyons, huge staircase, and authentic looking stonework that serves as both the abbey and the von Trapp home, is at once traditional and innovative. He also provides multi-levels for the action of the play, which Director Moriarty uses so deftly. Indeed, you never know just where a nun, Nazi, or von Trapp child may appear. Boritt’s painted “hills” also serve as both Austrian meadows and a dance floor on which the characters perform Choreographer Bridget L. Moore’s lively dances to Music Director Samuel Bagala’s blissful music enhanced by the Sound Design of Twi McCallum.
When a production has a set as glorious as this The Sound of Music does, expectations run high for performances that match the quality of the surroundings and this show delivers those in abundance. One of the greatest challenges an actor can face is to take on an iconic role that is so closely identified with another actor and when that actor has been idolized by millions for sixty plus years for the role, it becomes a daunting task indeed. However, the moment Tiffany Solano hits the stage singing the title song, you realize that she has made Maria her own. Solano has proven time and again that she is an actor of incomparable skill, and it is thrilling to hear her lovely voice sing all those familiar tunes and to watch her adeptly transition from exuberant novice to caring governess to loving mother and wife. I overheard someone behind me say, “It’s all in her face.” I could not agree more. As the widower with seven children, Paolo Montalban is winning as the stalwart, rule obsessed Captain von Trapp. Montalban’s stage presence is undeniable whether he is barking orders at the children or learning slowly to let love back in his life. Montalban and Solano also bring more than a bit of “heat” to their awkward romance making their attraction to each other even more convincing. As the Mother Abbess, Angela Turner Wilson projects kindness and wisdom and has a soul stirring, incredibly powerful voice that nearly stops the show with “Climb Every Mountain.” Alex Organ is a charming and boisterous Max as he cleverly manipulates the von Trapp children into becoming a money-making asset for himself, but later reveals the bravery beneath his bravado. Sara Gay, wearing some of Alejo Vietti’s best costumes, is suitably confident, distinguished, and proper as Captain von Trapp’s fiancé Elsa Schraeder. All seven von Trapp children are marvelous singers, dancers, and actors. It is just about impossible not to use the word adorable when describing them. Christina Austin Lopez shines as Liesl, eldest of the von Trapp clan and her duet “Sixteen Going On Seventeen” with Lance Jewett as Rolf is a highlight of the show. The entire ensemble of The Sound of Music, whether nun, Nazi, housekeeper, or butler is perfection.
Director Moriarty has made the musical both visually impressive and emotionally engaging. The Sound of Music, after all, is about love, love of God, love of country, love of family, and the love of a man for a woman. You will leave the theater smiling, a bit dewy eyed, and grateful for your time in the “hills.”
WHERE: Dallas Theater Center 2400 Flora St. Dallas, TX 75201
WHEN: March 26 thru April 24
