This month, the Lewiston Civic Theatre is bringing the classic musical The Sound of Music to the stage.
The upcoming performance dates include Dec. 19-21. Shows on Friday and Saturday start at 7 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. at the Normal Hill Campus, 1114 9th Ave., Lewiston. People can purchase tickets by calling the box office at 208-746-3401, at the door, or at lctheatre.org.
The play is directed by Becci Tank and features two separate casts of children: the “Schnitzel with Noodles” cast and the “Crisp Apple Strudel” cast. Lead actors in both casts include Jodi Fisher as Maria and Noel Hardin as Capt. Von Trapp. This review will be about the “Apple” cast’s performance on Dec. 5.
This classic musical, directed for film by Robert Wise in 1965, is lovable and heartwarming. The film features actor Julie Andrews as Maria, a postulant at an Austrian abbey who becomes a governess for the Von Trapp family. Capt. Von Trapp is a widowed father with seven children. With Maria as their governess, they welcome the love of music back into their lives.
The musical’s themes include the power of music, the importance of family, as well as love, hope, and courage. The LCT does an excellent job portraying these, and the music made the entire performance beautiful, like a cherry on top. Some of the songs in Act 1 are “Sound of Music,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” Songs in Act 2 include “Something Good,” “No Way to Stop It,” “Edelweiss,” and “Confitemini Domino.” All are sung beautifully; every actor shows great skill in both singing and acting.
The costumes play a significant role, with over 160 in the production. They effectively portray the characters, as do the actors. And the sets and lights enhance the show — the lights contrast with the feelings of not only the actors but also the audience.
The show overall has a good pace. It doesn’t go too fast or too slow, and it also gives the audience time to assess and realize what is happening in the story. Everything is put together well, and it’s easy it is to see that everyone on stage trusts each other.
Jenna Clift is a senior at LHS who plays Liesl in the “Apple” cast.
“The relationship between characters may be acted out, but the trust we put in one another is real,” said Clift. “When Leisl cries to her parents, I have to trust [they] will be there to match me in that scene. When Leisl wants to end her night with a boy she likes with an outrageous lift and a kiss, I have to trust that [he] will be there to catch me every single time.
“Actors can forge many emotions, but they can’t fake trust, and I think that has been well displayed in this show.”
After much thought, it is very difficult to identify anything that this production could improve upon.
The play closely follows the plot of the movie, but also stands out from other productions.
“Our own character takes, choreography, and tech design brought a completely unique spin on a story well-loved for decades,” Clift said. “And, truly, this is the gift of theater and of art.”
The LCT production of The Sound of Music is wonderful. It’s clear how much trust the actors have in each other, and the effort they put into the show is truly evident. It is highly recommended and a can’t-miss event.
