Document text
'The Sound of Music' AHS puts on a classic Susan DeRosia Ashland Daily Tidings Each autumn, when the performing arts team meets to decide which piece they'll choose for the year's musical, many factors have to be taken into account, including the school's talent pool, who will be directing, and what seems right for the times. For AHS drama teacher Betsy Bishop, "The Sound of Music" seemed like a perfect fit. "We were looking for something that has deep meaning in this time," she said. "The Sound of Music is one of those unique musicals that gives you true hope. I think the characters in the play follows their consciences. They buck the prevailing feeling of their time, even though it means they have to leave the beautiful country they love so much." For director John Stadelman, the story offered a window into recent history and some interesting life lessons for his students, "The kids and I have learned a lot together on this one: We talked about both World Wars - about a time when the Nazi was just a political party that appealed to a lot of frightened people instead of a synonym for human evil. We've talked about aristocrats, and the working class, and life in a convent. We've talked religion and philosophy (Idealism vs. Pragmatism), Art and Reality (the Von Trapps didn't trudge across the Alps - they took a train to Italy) and the Work of Artists (two Jewish men adapting the autobiography of an Austrian Catholic Nun) in Business (Mary Martin and her husband risking every penny they had to produce this show). All of it deepened our understanding of this particular creation: a very different animal, I think you'll find, than the Julie Andrews movie." On opening night, Friday, March 7, audiences will be able to see all the hard work and inspiration that went into the production as AHS presents "The Sound of Music." The musical will play seven performances with only one Saturday matinee. Previewing on Thursday, March 6, The Sound of Music runs Thursday through Saturdays, March 7,8,13,14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. The one matinee is on Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. Set in 1938, The Sound of Music tells the story of Maria Rainer, a free-spirited nun (McKenna Arndt) who is hired by Captain Von Trapp (Gabe Minchow) to care for his seven children. Although the captain is engaged to the wealthy socialite, Elsa (Steffi Garrard), he and Maria eventually fall in love. Their happiness is soon shattered when the Nazis invade Austria. The Sound of Music has thrilled audiences on Broadway since 1959 and has played all over the world with revivals every decade. Famous songs include "Climb Every Mountain," "My Favorite Things," and "Do Re Mi." A tribute to personal faith and hope in the midst of international crisis and war, The Sound of Music remains a musical treasure for all ages and all times. Featured cast members include Maria: McKenna Arndt; Captain Von Trapp: Gabe Minchow; Mother Abess: Elspeth Shell-Moyer; Max: Galen Schloming; Elas: Steffi Garrard; Sister Berthe: Emily Stone; Sister Margaretta: Sam Tedaldi; Sister Sophia: Sarah Siadat; Liesl Amirah Said; Rolf Paul Fraser; and the younger Von Trapp younger children: Thomas Witt, Rebecca Saladoff, Ashlee Melikian, Charlie Bass, Emma Harding, and Savannah Kahn. Charlie Morgan, senior, is the stage manager and Liana Tobin, Jazmin Spenser and Brendan Good are the assistant stage managers. 100 students, including 25 orchestra members, 20 crew members, and 50 cast members are involved in this theatrical production. Russ Otte is both the musical and vocal director. Doug Hamm is the set designer; Phil Shaw is the lighting designer and Jane Hickinbotham is the technical director. Angi Hill is the costume designer. All stage crew are members of the AHS Stage Management class. "The Sound of Music" will preview on Thursday, March 6 and run March 7,8 and 13, 14,15 at 7:30 p.m. with one matinee on Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $13 at the door ($1 less if purchased in advance) and available now at AHS Main Office, Paddington Station and Tree House Books (It's a good idea to buy tickets early; AHS musicals are a popular Ashland event and only a very few tickets are sold at the door.) For more information, call 482-8771. LINKS: REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. DAILY TIDINGS: Main | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -