REVIEW: "The Sound of Music" on Tour

jedimaster1227 · January 6, 2016

Tonight Theme Park Review was invited back to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for the opening night of The Sound of Music, a touring version of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical most often known for its film adaptation starring Julie Andrews. The show features an absolutely stellar cast of experienced performers as well as some surprising finds that elevate the show to an exceptional level!

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Telling the story of a postulate in an Austrian abbey who finds herself tasked with serving as the latest governess for seven children whose affluent father Captain Von Trapp has become distant and stern after the loss of his first wife. The show progresses to the beat of the traditional plot (of the original show, not of the film) but beautifully effective set design, powerful acting and an unbeatable level of vocal talent among the cast brings the show to life in a way that truly surprises, even for those well versed in the subject matter. Between the two of us, one who hadnt seen the film in close to 18 years and the other who grew up listening to the music and watching the film, we were both equally smitten with this show. The caliber of the singing was absolutely top notch--almost all of the cast was given a moment to shine vocally and the end result was an enthralling, but at times heart-wrenching delivery that stands out as one of our favorite shows we've ever seen!

The cast includes relative newcomer Kiersten Reiner as the lead Maria Reiner--a diamond in the rough who scored her first leading role with The Sound of Music. The casting directors deserve significant recognition for finding this up and comer. It takes a lot for someone to forget Julie Andrews in a role as iconic as Maria, but Kiersten has found a way. Her talented voice is a find in every way, and surely will be put to ever stronger use in future roles, as doors will no doubt open for her at the end of this tour.

Ashley Brown portrays Mother Abbess with a vocal power that this description could do no justice to explain just how talented she truly is. Despite her star power, she never overpowers her younger co-stars, a gracious gift for someone whose vocal abilities are as powerful as Brown's.

The Sound of Music is an absolutely wonderful revival of a classic Broadway show, with all of the charm of the well-known story but all of the gusto of a modern play--a timeless tale presented with incredible vocals, inventive set design and spot-on acting that makes for an incredible experience overall. The show can be seen at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts through January 10th, 2016, so be sure to get your tickets before the show moves on to its next location--trust me when I say that this theater is worthy of a show this powerful, and the payoff will be clear when you see and hear it for yourself!