Friday
December 09, 2005
SGN.org
Volume 33
Issue 49
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Monday, Jan 05, 2009
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Sound of Music opens at the 5th Avenue Theatre |
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| Sound of Music opens at the 5th Avenue Theatre | ||
| By Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid
- SGN A&E Writer
The Sound of Music Directed and choreographed by Jamie Rocco. Starring: Kim Huber, Terrence Mann, Kristin Flanders, David Hunter Koch, Elizabeth Arnold, Leslie Law, Carol Swarbrick, Paige Befeler, Josh Froebe, Jenna Levin, Kirstin Maki, Charlie Messner, Cara Rudd, Olivia Spokoiny and Susan Marie Pierson 5th Avenue Theatre November 29th-December 18th Watching the 5th Avenue Theatre's production of 'The Sound of Music', I was struck not only by how completely entrancing their version is, but also how funny I found some of the scenes, when I mentally referred back to Dennis Hensley's 'Screening Party' deconstruction of the film version. I high recommend finding this book and reading it before you see the musical, as it will only enhance the experience even more. I also did not know about the backdrop of the impending Nazi movement and its impact on small countries like Austria (where the musical is set), until I read the book, and saw the production in full blown glory last week. Somehow that knowledge and seeing the huge Third Reich flags on the stage, gave the musical numbers that much more importance and had a rather sobering effect on my friend, Joyce, who went with me. But, believe me, it is not a heavy experience watching delightful Kim Huber zip through the numbers I've come to associate with Julie Andrews in the film version. In fact songs like 'My Favorite Things', and 'So Long, Farewell', as well as standards like 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain' ring through the air like sparkles of snowflakes or little fairies with musical wings. Huber is in fine form singing, as is Terrence Mann, who plays a stately, yet vulnerable 'Captain von Trapp'. And even more wonderful than she was in the 5th's last show, 'Sweeney Todd', Carol Swarbrick, (who plays 'Sister Berthe), is even better in this show. Also glorious are the costumes, especially 'Frau Schrader's' (Kristin Flanders), 'bitch goddess' red dress and gloves. I immediately thought of Hensley's group's take on the movie when this character was on stage, and believe me, if you read the book, you'll be giggling to yourself every time 'Frau Schrader' or 'Frau Schmidt' is on stage. It was also a little extra treat that little 'Gretl' (Paige Befeler) kept playing with her dresses, and stepped on Kim Huber's wedding veil by accident in the wedding scene. She was the cutest star of the show, surprising everyone in the audience with her cute, but not pretentious antics, and that they were all just part of her bubbly personality, made them that much more endearing and fun to watch. In short, this is one of the most magical shows the 5th Avenue has done this year and it will delight children of all ages, even those about to be 50, like me. To find out about tickets and times, call: 292-ARTS(2787), or go online to ticketmaster.com. Go and get cheered up, or take someone who might be stressing over the holidays and needs a little joy and innocent fun. |
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International Readers |
 
It's new!A blog created by the SGN staff so you can be heard |
"Putting on the Ritz |
The Beauty of Freedom artist's reception |
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