Date: Fri 19-Jul-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: SHIRLE

Illustration: C

Location: A9

Quick Words:

theatre-Sound-Music-Gateway's

Full Text:

(rev "Sound of Music" @Gateway's, 7/19/96)

Sweet `Sounds' Heard Throughout Gateway's `Music'

(with photo)

By Carol Fenn

NEW FAIRFIELD - The Sound of Music opened July 10 at Gateway's Candlewood

Playhouse bringing audience members some of the sweetest sounds Rodgers and

Hammerstein ever wrote in a musical.

This musical may well be one of America's favorites. It is based on the real

life of the von Trapp family, as told in The Story of the von Trapp Family

Singers . We follow all the family's adventures to their final escape from the

Nazis on the eve of World War II.

Many of us may be mostly familiar with the movie version starring Julie

Andrews, seeing the movie time and time again. Candlewood's production is a

refreshing change from the movie, containing a song you haven't heard in the

movie and has the additional thrill of being a live performance.

Starring as Maria, the effervescent governess to the seven von Trapp children,

is Tracey Williams. Williams is a delightful Maria, full of spunk and

determination. She plays the role without dripping sweetness that could easily

consume the character Maria. In The Sound of Music she demonstrates her talent

by bringing fresh spirit and a lovely voice to our favorite songs, "My

Favorite Things" and "Do-Re-Mi."

Another stand-out performance is Sandra Edwards as the Mother Abbess who

guides Maria through her difficult growth to womanhood. Ms Edwards brings a

commanding vocal range to the moving anthem, "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." Edwards

also plays the Abbess with wonderful insight and caring.

Jim Madden plays Captain von Trapp, the stiff and domineering widower left

with seven children to raise. But Maria's stubborn efforts to challenge him

eventually mellow his harsh facade. Max Detweiler, the captain's well-meaning,

meddling friend, is well performed by Dimitri Christy. Christy is everything

and more as an endearing uncle whose faithfulness never falters.

Also performing ably are Brian Fox as Rolf and KT Curran as Elsa Schraeder.

The cast of the seven von Trapp children is delightfully played by young

actors who are truly lovable, professional in manner, and quite solid in their

characters. Director Jan Berkow managed to guide the youngsters to exude

child-like joy and enthusiasm, but also handled the more frightening side of

the Nazi occupation of Austria. Particularly outstanding is Amanda Talbot as

Liesl, who sings "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" with Rolf.

Young and old alike should see The Sound of Music on stage at Candlewood. It

transcends time and age alike. It is so pure in its intention and music which

makes it so popular and a joy to see.

The Sound of Music plays through July 27 at Gateway's Candlewood Playhouse

located on Route 39 in New Fairfield. Call the box office at 203/746-4441 for

ticket prices and dinner/theatre packages.