Last weekend’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music,” presented by the Community Players of Greene County, was as good as small town community theatre gets.
I had a unique vantage point from the nun’s chorus at Nonnberg Abbey. I loved every minute I spent listening and watching rehearsals in the weeks preceding the show.
The folks not seen by the audience were amazing. Director Sheilah Pound found logical blocking and staging that took maximum advantage of the small auditorium. And, she made the production fun for all. Cast members had busy lives, and Sheilah never seemed flustered when people missed rehearsals for jobs, classes, or other commitments. She was great.
Assistant director Teresa Cross was equally great. She read every part at one time or another, and at the final rehearsal she read both sides of dialogues in some scenes. Clay Ross again excelled as technical director. Those fast scene changes that kept the show moving were the result of Clay’s efforts. He and Jim Giese were organized and orchestrated the cast members who served as set crew. Good job, men!
And the set…the great curved double staircase in the von Trapp home was Josh Hedge’s creation, I’m told. Sturdy enough to be safe for the cast but mobile enough for scene changes. Good job!
Dave Heupel served as vocal director and Chuck Radke again played the piano and kept the accompanying band together. What would a musical be without the trumpet licks and the flute and oboe obligatos? Thanks to all of you!
Thanks to the hair and make-up ladies, Kayla Hamilton, Lindy Lehman, Bridget McGregor and Allison Ramaekers. Thanks to the costume crew, Lynda Holtz, Marlene Larson, Judy Larson, Rhonda Nelson, Joan St Clair and Lisa Willis. Thanks for making me look exactly like who I was, a 56-year-old nun. Being a nun for a bit was more fun than I would have guessed.
Emily Joy, John Schoening, Steve Smith….the folks on stage collected applause for things you did. Thank you very much!
I salute the Players board and all those who worked on “The Sound of Music.” My heart is blessed with the sound of music. ~Victoria “Tori” Riley
