By JOSEPHINE NORRIS, Photo Editor.
Mid-Michigan may not be home to very many hills, but the hills we do have in the Bay City area are coming to life with the sound of music at the Bay City Player’s production of Roger and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music”.
Set in the late 1930’s in the mountains of Austria,this musical follows the story of an aspiring nun, Maria, who just can’t seem to get the hang of postulant life in the abbey. She is sent to the Von Trapp home to be a governess of Captain Von Trapp’s seven adorable, but sometimes troublesome children. All seems to be working out perfectly with Maria’s presence in the house; the children learn to sing under Maria’s teaching and receive a new wardrobe sewn by Maria’s loving hand out of curtains- they are quite the statement pieces, I’m sure they will be hit on the runway next season. That is until Maria and the Captain fall in love. Frightened by her feelings, Maria runs back to the abbey and receives motivational support from the Prioress and emboldened with the goal to “climb every mountain”, she returns to the Von Trapp home and she and the Captain marry. Sadly, their happiness is short lived as the shadow of the Nazi party overcomes Austria and the family must flee the hills they love in order to find safety.
The character of Maria can be hard to play. I have often seen saccharine sweet portrayal of this endearing character, which takes away from the story of this classic musical. Brianne Dolney as Maria, however, brings an authentic and quirky approach to this beloved character and I was thoroughly entertained by all of her unique facial expressions throughout the show. Dolney’s chemistry with the children was wonderful and you could tell she loved every minute she had onstage with them.
The set was simple yet very well done. Beautiful painted stonework was my favorite part. The scene changes were almost always flawless and I loved the touch of having a nun rder the stage hands around with a wand. It really made the transitions interesting and not seem so long.
This is a classic musical that is a must see for every musical theater enthusiast and the Bay City Players have produced a wonderful adaptation. It is probably the most entertaining and enjoyable productions of “The Sound of Music” I have seen.
I have heard tell of the show being nearly sold out, so get your tickets today!
“The Sound of Music” runs April 30, May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 8p.m. and May 3 and 10 at 3p.m., with an added performance on May 9 at 2p.m. The Bay City Players are located at 1214 Columbus Ave, Bay City, MI. Tickets may be purchased online at baycityplayers.com or by calling the box office at 989-893-5555.
