The Sound of Music climbs every mountain and finds relevance
If you think you've seen enough of "The Sound of Music" to bypass the Broadway In Chicago version of it, think again. It plays only through Sunday, June 19, at Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, and you don't want to miss it.
Directed by Broadway veteran Jack O'Brien, this production re-envisions Maria as a nerdy, spunky girl who doesn't quite fit in, yet when she plays her music, is able to draw in all those around her, including the precocious von Trapp kids.
"Maria was quirky. She definitely had a different appeal to her," said guest critic Nadine Heraty of Aurora. "But then, as the show developed, you saw this whole character develop and you can tell they put a lot of thought into the character."
Other cast members stood out for Heraty as well.
"Liesl was amazing. She pulled off the character well," Heraty said. "She really connected all the kids together."
Review by Diana Martinez
At the opening of "The Sound of Music" at the Cadillac Palace Theatre the audience was up on their feet for America's Favorite Musical. Director Jack O'Brien climbs every mountain and explores new choices to come up with a more relevant interpretation of the timeless classic.
With amazing voices, gorgeous lavish scenery, perfectly precocious children, and a fresh quirky new take on Maria by Kerstin Anderson this version has an honesty that keeps the audience engaged, laughing and entertained. What really hits home in this version is how the power of music brings people together.
I've seen this production dozens of times but this one really explores new interpretations that help to hit the subtext and develop better characters.
This Maria is playful, awkward and insecure which makes her connection with the children feel easy and believable.
The Mother Abbess is not uptight and judgmental. Instead she is warm and supportive. I never really connected to the song "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" until this version. The song is not about dealing with the toughest challenges; it's about finding truth and exploring every opportunity to find yourself and happiness.
There is also a clearer focus on the "fish-out-of-water" theme all the characters face. All the characters are going through transition and don't fit into their circumstances; Maria in the convent, Captain Von Trapp feeling lost in his home without his wife, the children are lost without their mother, and a country is unsure of whether to join the Nazi occupation or flee.
But what joins them all together is literally the sound of music or the "universal language of the soul." It connects them at a basic level of comfort, release and happiness. The sets are absolutely gorgeous and lavish, yet have a charm and authenticity about them. The voices are strong and the production is solid.
"The Sound of Music" is only at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through Sunday, June 19. The show runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes with an intermission and is truly the perfect show for anyone - you can't go wrong with this show.
On behalf of the Daily Herald and Broadway In Chicago, I'm Diana Martinez and I look forward to seeing you at the theater! Thanks for reading!