The hills are alive at Forestburgh

A review by ROBERT J. COLIN FONTANELLA

“The Sound Of Music” was loosely based on a German film (1956) that producer Leland Howard thought would make a great vehicle for Mary Martin.

Martin and Howard contacted Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II to write the score, and though they were interested, the famous pair was still working on “Flower Drum Song.”

Martin and Howard said, “We will wait.” And the rest is history.

“The Sound of Music” opened on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 16, 1959, starring Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel.

Rodgers had difficulty writing the religious music and was coached by the nuns at Manhattanville College, but ultimately, the music sung by the nuns became a highlight of the show.

“The Sound of Music” was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s last collaboration as Hammerstein died of stomach cancer shortly after the show opened. The deeply moving and inspirational “Edelweiss” was his last song.

The story traces Maria’s days in the convent, her experiences with the Trapp children and the terrifying Nazi annexation of Austria. The deeper meaning of the play is that salvation is found through music.

The current production of “The Sound of Music” at the Forestburgh Playhouse is successful in its presentation.

The first act is long, sentimental and sweet; the second act is stark, short and chilling.

Maria discovers her true mission by bringing life back to Captain Georg von Trapp and his family through music. Jennifer Freeman’s ability to portray Maria’s innocence and determination are a key to the production’s success.

As the family leaves the abbey at the end of the play, the Mother Abbess, played by Mary C. Sheehan, says that the music of the mountains will guide them to freedom.

Love and hope comes through music as the family regains its faith and ultimately its ability to survive.

Sheehan’s voice is both operatic in quality and full of passion.

Christopher Guilmet’s von Trapp is a study in hopelessness and denial before Maria and music awaken him to love and hope.

The children tug at the heartstrings without cloying; they are peppy and talented. The chorus is heavenly both in voice and demeanor. The scenery and staging are tasteful without intruding on the action.

The audience loved the performance and were so moved that they were ready to pick up mountain gear and “climb every mountain, search high and low, ford every stream, follow every rainbow” to find their dream.