Theater Review
Show Title - The Sound of Music
Genre - Musical
Theater/City - Tri-Valley Rep / Livermore
Production Dates – July 22 – August 7, 2011
Rating - 4 ½ Golden Bridges
Reviewed By - Mauricio Segura
Comments
In two simple words, Absolutely Brilliant! The Tri-Valley Repertory theater has put on one of the most enjoyable productions of the year.!
Currently playing each weekend through August 7th at the Bankhead Theatre in Livermore, The Sound of Music, by the legendary musical writing team of Rodgers & Hammerstein is one of those shows you really shouldn't miss.
If you've never seen the movie or know what it's about, don't look too much into it. Theater is always more magical when your experiencing something new. For those who have seen the movie, watching it live as it was originally meant to be, also provides a sense of mystique well worth experiencing.
Behind the scenes, I'm gonna give the design crew first props. I've seen productions where you would have to partially rely on your own imagination to make the background and sets come alive. Not in this case. The scenic paintings used as backdrops are simply wonderful. Add that to the built set, such as the von Trapp home, and it's easy to believe you're in 1938 Austria.
Then there's the talent onstage. Marisa Cozart plays a wonderful Maria. Julie who? The second she began singing "My Favorite Things", I fell in love with her voice. Simply captivating.
Steve Rhyne, did an outstanding job as Captain von Trapp. A great voice obviously, but it was his acting that made him shine. The Captain is a plethora of emotions and hidden pain. It takes a good actor to let the audience through and understand him, and Rhyne was more than successful in his portrayal.
Each one of the von Trapp children were a delight, but one stood out. Jillian Jameson, who plays the oldest daughter Liesl, has impressive presence onstage and an undeniably beautiful voice. Just 17 and already in her 32nd show, this young woman is bound for theater stardom. Her duet on "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" was one of the evening's highlights.
Individual talents aside, the highlight of the show for me, was at the very beginning. The Nun's chorus was nothing less than angelical. The voices, harmonies, and resonance these women were creating together, was like the sweetest Christmas candy to my ears. I was hoping for a little more, but unfortunately, I had to remain content with the opening chorus.
No theater production is complete without a great orchestra and lighting technicians. And they were top notch.
Overall, the directors put together an amazing show. It was a pleasurable experience, and I know any of you who can attend will agree. So don't hesitate or put it off, head on out to Livermore and catch a performance of The Sound of Music.
If you've never seen the movie or know what it's about, don't look too much into it. Theater is always more magical when your experiencing something new. For those who have seen the movie, watching it live as it was originally meant to be, also provides a sense of mystique well worth experiencing.
Behind the scenes, I'm gonna give the design crew first props. I've seen productions where you would have to partially rely on your own imagination to make the background and sets come alive. Not in this case. The scenic paintings used as backdrops are simply wonderful. Add that to the built set, such as the von Trapp home, and it's easy to believe you're in 1938 Austria.
Then there's the talent onstage. Marisa Cozart plays a wonderful Maria. Julie who? The second she began singing "My Favorite Things", I fell in love with her voice. Simply captivating.
Steve Rhyne, did an outstanding job as Captain von Trapp. A great voice obviously, but it was his acting that made him shine. The Captain is a plethora of emotions and hidden pain. It takes a good actor to let the audience through and understand him, and Rhyne was more than successful in his portrayal.
Each one of the von Trapp children were a delight, but one stood out. Jillian Jameson, who plays the oldest daughter Liesl, has impressive presence onstage and an undeniably beautiful voice. Just 17 and already in her 32nd show, this young woman is bound for theater stardom. Her duet on "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" was one of the evening's highlights.
Individual talents aside, the highlight of the show for me, was at the very beginning. The Nun's chorus was nothing less than angelical. The voices, harmonies, and resonance these women were creating together, was like the sweetest Christmas candy to my ears. I was hoping for a little more, but unfortunately, I had to remain content with the opening chorus.
No theater production is complete without a great orchestra and lighting technicians. And they were top notch.
Overall, the directors put together an amazing show. It was a pleasurable experience, and I know any of you who can attend will agree. So don't hesitate or put it off, head on out to Livermore and catch a performance of The Sound of Music.
The Sound of Music is playing every weekend through August 7th. Tickets are $20 - $25 and well worth it for a night at the theater. For more information, please visit The Tri-Valley Theatre page on our website at -
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See you at the show!
Cheers!!