NDSU Theatre Arts Presents “The Sound of Music”

As NDSU Theatre Arts’ flagship attraction this spring, “The Sound of Music” was a highly anticipated production for many NDSU students and Fargo-Moorhead citizens. Most well known from its 1965 film adaptation starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, “The Sound of Music” follows the von Trapp family as a new governess, Maria, joins their household and fills it with music and love following the death of Captain von Trapp’s wife. The musical, which debuted in 1959 with music written by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is loosely based on historical events, specifically the formation of the von Trapp Family singers and their escape from a Nazi-controlled Austria prior to the start of World War II. This musical is commonly regarded as one of the best produced on Broadway and film, and NDSU managed to translate that same success with their production.

As this is a musical, one of the most important aspects of such a production is the singing and musical element of the show. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s score for this musical has a light and youthful temperament, with a majority of the numbers either being joyful in sound or context. Many of these pieces have become iconic in popular culture. Tracks like “Do-Re-Mi,” “The Sound of Music” and “My Favorite Things” were all memorable and featured great leading vocals from student Olivia Desing as Maria. Additionally, “Do-Re-Mi,” as well as “The Lonely Goatherd” and “So Long, Farewell” featured great showings from the young von Trapp actors, a majority being children, which is a commendable feat in and of itself, as this is a demanding show. Special shoutouts should be given to Liesl, student Cora Clark, for “Sixteen Going On Seventeen,” Mother Abbess, student Carlie Sell, for “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and Captain von Trapp, student Ian Strand, for “Edelweiss.” Clark sells the naivety and sweetness of a teenager in love, Sell fulfills the range requirements for the soaring parts of her musical moments and Strand’s baritone is smooth and consoling. The whole cast’s vocal proficiency was outstanding, as one would expect from such a group of theater and vocal music students.

The actual portrayal of “The Sound of Music’s” characters is also important to getting the musical right, and for the most part, that was done well. The child actors involved were adorable and charming, as one would expect. My favorite acting roles in this production were Ben Dier as Rolf, Ian Strand as Captain von Trapp and Henry Radoc as Max Detweiler. Dier is able to sell both the charming and Nazi-influenced intimidation of Rolf. Strand, if a bit monotone, captures the stern yet still loving Captain. Radoc, with his character providing much comic relief, fit this role well and milked these comedic moments. Overall, the acting perhaps could’ve used more emotion, and there were times where Maria and the captain’s chemistry could’ve been a little higher, but these are small nitpicks and certainly didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the show.

Other elements of the show that stuck out were the set design and the music provided by a put orchestra. The sets for the von Trapp residence were fairly elaborate, and the flats used to depict the Austrian hills were very well painted. On top of that, the lighting was dynamic but didn’t distract from the show. The pit orchestra, consisting of strings, brass, woodwinds and light percussion, added high energy to the musical numbers, whereas a digital track would lack that feeling of authenticity.

To gain some insights on the production of “The Sound of Music,” I spoke to cast member Elsa Brandvold, who portrayed Sister Sophia. “Being a part of ‘The Sound of Music’ required time and flexibility. Putting together such a big production takes a lot of time and coordination. Lots of harmonies, moving pieces and creative chaos needed attention throughout this entire process.” Clearly, a show as grand as this requires much work and care to do it justice. Brandvold also noted the importance that productions like “The Sound of Music” carry. “I hope what people take away from the show is the power of music. It has a way of bringing people together and expressing what spoken words cannot.” This particular show has touched many hearts over the years, and I, for one, think NDSU succeeded in doing this as well.