The Sound of Music

Beloved musical comes to Emery County as a sing-along

Rebecca Lofley

This year’s community/school theatre production of The Sound of Music will give the audience a chance to take part in the production as it is presented as an interactive musical. The production will be conducted in the same style as any other musical until specified songs are reached and then the audience, aided by the lyrics in their programs, will sing right along with the cast. This is the first time that this has been attempted in Emery County theatrics.

The play will be presented at the Emery High School auditorium Feb. 28, 29 and March 1 at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m.

Presenting the play as a sing-a-long was a precondition for Neal Peacock in accepting the position of director of the play. As this will be his 129 play in 25 years, Neal has presented nearly every type of play out there. Having done so many plays one would think it would be difficult to not fall into a rut, but somehow Neal always managers to keep each play fresh, to make the next one a step above the last. As one fan said, “Each year Neal puts out amazing plays, and each year I wonder how he is going to top them the succeeding year. Somehow he always does.”

The importance of the musical being a sing-along is significant. This year for theatre, Neil wanted something different. The Sound of Music, being a generally well-known play seemed a good choice, but making it just a repeat of the same old story did not give it that something extra, that edge that makes a performance not just good but great. This something extra Neal felt is the sing-along factor. Having a sing along musical allows the audience to be an active part of the play. They get to sing the songs they know so well instead of just hearing them sung. It brings new interest to the familiar old tale.

The cast and orchestra have been meeting together two or three nights a week for several months. A lot of hard work is being put into the performance of this play for the benefit of the community. Throughout the duration of these practices there have been various challenges and successes. The greatest challenge has proven to be the sing-along aspect. Getting everything to work out just as it should is going to be the major factor in its success. The second greatest challenge comes in the performance being a community/school production. When asked the major difference between just school theatre and combined community/ school theatre, Neal said with a chuckle, “I can’t flunk the kids.” He then shared that he has found that though he is director, he can’t be just a boss. He also has to listen to those around him and get them involved. The directing of the play this year will be a team effort as Laurie Pitchforth is assistant director. They will be working together with orchestra director Kelly Nelson and musical director Marilee Cox.

The ages of the cast vary greatly. They range from 7 years old to 50 and up. With such varying ages and interests one might think it would prove difficult for them to work together, but Neal said it has been just the opposite. One of the greatest successes of this musical is that the cast gets along very well. They have had fun throughout rehearsals and this is expected to carry through to the live performances.

Although this is the much beloved Sound of Music, Neal said there is a difference from the movie. Besides there being a difference between the play and the movie, this particular production will have its own take on the story. Each member of the cast adds their own spark to their character. The cast is comprised of Trish Erickson as Maria, and Jacob Barnett as Captain Von Trapp. The Von Trapp children are played by Dory Peacock, Bryson Weaver, Elise DeBry, Landon Barnett, Nancy Dawes, Aspen Bloomer and Corbin Bloomer. The Captain’s friends, Max and the Baroness are played by Ben Partis and Kaylee Van Wagoner. A live orchestra will be on stage, along with pianists Marilee Cox and her daughter Marissa.

Bringing the Sound of Music to life in Emery County will truly be a community event and is expected to be an entertaining experience.