Theater's 'The Sound of Music' a true family performance

"The Sound of Music" is a fictionalized account of the von Trapp family's life, so it seems natural that the Wood Street Theater Company's production of the musical would involve local families.

Elroy "Sandy" Sandquist of Palatine plays Capt. von Trapp and his daughter Kara, 13, plays Louisa von Trapp. Sue MacInnes of Cary plays Maria, while her daughters Molly, 16, plays Liesl and Emily, 23, plays Sister Berthe and also is choreographer for the show.

Sandquist has done a few cameos in recent Wood Street productions, but is glad to take on a large part like he did in high school and college.

"I love the show. I'm enjoying it. It's like a big family," said Sandquist, who studied with Second City.

Kara said there are striking differences between her father and Capt. von Trapp.

"In the show he's a strict father and at home he's not that strict," she said, adding that having her dad at the rehearsals is motivational and she can't wait to see his performances.

"He hasn't done a lot of big stuff in awhile. I'm excited to see him."

For MacInnes, a busy marketing executive, this production fulfills a major goal.

"Six years ago I had made a goal list. Because I work all the time and don't have much time for theater activity, I had written on the goal list that I wanted to play a primary part in a musical and have the girls involved, too," MacInnes said.

The fact that the part turned out to be Maria was a bit of a surprise for MacInnes, whose theater background included more comedic and character roles.

"I was a little bit scared because I thought 'I don't know if I can be that nice,' " MacInnes joked. However, she adds that working with all the kids on the show has been great and that "it turned out that maybe this is making me a nicer person."

The familiarity of working with your own children can be a help and a challenge.

"It's so funny when you're talking to your own kid on stage and to try to not be normal," MacInnes said.

At one rehearsal, Sandquist bumped into one of the von Trapp kids. When he realized it was Kara, he said, "Oh, it's you, it doesn't matter," glad that he hadn't stepped on somebody else's child, MacInnes said, laughing.

The MacInnes women agree that sharing this experience has been wonderful.

"We don't have much time together, the kids and I, 'cause we're always running in different directions," Sue MacInnes said.

"It's so much fun because it was my mom who got me involved in musical stuff," Molly said. "We drive up together and it's good bonding."

"It's great because we never see each other," Emily said, adding that she is really enjoying choreographing her first show.

"She is so good at it (choreography)," piped in Molly. "She's really good with the kids."

"Yes, Emily's the real Maria," added her mom, noting her daughter's affinity for working with children.

"It really was one of those dream things," Sue MacInnes said of the show. "We may not do it again, but we're taking the moment."

And the Wood Street version of the show has some special moments.

"Since this was going to be our dream moment, we wanted to do things that were different like have bicycles on stage and have the kids do some really cool choreography," MacInnes said.

Sandquist said the stage musical is usually quite different from the movie, but Wood Street is incorporating some of each into its show.

"We've tried to take the best of both the stage production and the movie and meld it into our production," he said.

"The Sound of Music" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 and 26 and Feb. 2; at 1:30 p.m. Feb 2 and 3; and at 3 p.m. Jan. 27 at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for seniors/students/and groups of 20 or more if purchased by Jan. 23 and $14/$12 if purchased after Jan. 23. For tickets, call (847) 338-0706.