DETROIT — Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” premieres in Detroit May 10-22 at the Fisher Theatre. Although I have never seen the movie version, I recognized some of the songs, such as “My Favorite Things”, “Climb Ev’ry Mountain and “Do-Re-Mi.”
Directed by Jack O’Brien, this musical story takes place in Austria and begins in the Abbey where the Reverend Mother, played by Melody Betts and several nuns are singing.
On a bridge, Maria, played by Kerstin Anderson, appears on set singing “The Hills are alive with the Sound of Music.”
In the Abbey, The Reverend Mother wants to talk to Maria, who is in training to be a nun. But she tells her that she has lost her way. So she recommends her to visit the von Trapp family who has seven children. As she arrives, Captain Georg von Trapp, played by Ben Davis, sizes her up and immediately wants her to change her dress. She realizes that there are many rules in the house. The first one being discipline. Maria stated that she’s never been a governess before. The children rolls their eyes with under-handed delight.
What got a good laugh was when the children lined up for inspection wearing curtains made from Maria’s bedroom.
At the end of the first Act, Maria leaves the von Trapp family house unexpectedly for the Abbey. The second Act began on the terrace with the Captain announcing that the children are not having a governess anymore, but a mother. He becomes engaged to Elsa, played by Teri Hansen. But then Maria comes back to the house. Only then the Captain realizes he was in love with her all along.
There was a 20-minute intermission between the two Acts. Also, there was fog and smoke during the performance. I hope that people of all ages will continue to fall in love with this musical as I did.
Performance times the “The Sound of Music” located at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 W. Grand Blvd., in Detroit are:
Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Tickets range from $39-$90 (includes parking and facility fees) are available at all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-982-2787 and online at Broadway In Detroit or Tickets – Tickets – Buy Tickets Online for Concerts, Sports, Theater and Events – Ticketmaster
