By Kimberly Rau
Theatre by the Sea has been enjoying a particularly strong season this summer, and its third show, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved “The Sound of Music” is no exception.
Director Michael Jablonski stays true to the original direction of the show, making it comfort food for the familiar and a wonderful example of classic musical theater for younger theatergoers.
Maria is a young novice in an Austrian convent in the late 1930s. Though devout in her faith, she finds the rules of her order stifling, and can’t help herself from singing when she shouldn’t, or getting so caught up in her thoughts that she misses prayer. Mother Abbess sees her struggles and suggests she take a moment away from the convent to decide whether the sisterhood is really for her. She is to become a governess for the widower Captain von Trapp’s children, who are, to say the least, a handful.
Throughout her tenure at the household, Maria gains the children’s adoration, and catches the eye of the family patriarch as well. This is occurring on the brink of World War II, as Germany begins to occupy Austria, something Captain von Trapp adamantly opposes. As the world is being torn apart, the von Trapps must learn how to come together and survive as a family.
At the helm of this show is Kim Sava as Maria, and you couldn’t ask for a better actress to take on the daunting task of portraying a character that most of us associate with Julie Andrews. Sava’s voice is beautiful, her rapport with the children is genuine, and her acting is superb. Sava was in the original Broadway cast of “Beetlejuice: the Musical,” and it’s a treat to have her talents with us for this show.
Paired against her is Kevin Patrick Martin as the intimidating Captain von Trapp, and again, you couldn’t ask for a more perfect choice. Martin’s voice is impressive, with great range and tone, which makes it a strong match for Sava. Though Martin has many professional credits, including a national tour of “Jersey Boys,” he’s a Rhode Island native with multiple credits at professional houses across the state, and we should be proud to claim him.
Amanda Hunter-Finch is Mother Abbess, a smaller role with one of the most iconic songs in the show, “Climb Every Mountain.” Hunter-Finch handles this with deceptive ease, bringing down the house the night I attended. This is a show full of local talent, including Maria Day as the stern but caring housekeeper, Frau Schmidt, and Tom Lavallee as butler Franz, who loves the family but looks out for himself when it comes time to choose Germany over Austria. It’s great to see so many familiar faces on a stage that steeps itself in tradition.
The von Trapp children (there are 7) are adorable, of course, but also harmonize well together, making their song performances delightful. There are lots of local faces here, proving the future of theater is bright indeed.
Thanks to scenic designer Kyle Dixon’s eye, the cozy TBTS stage is transformed into a grandiose mountain valley, Alps soaring in the background; a stately manor house; a quiet corner of a convent. Whatever the setting, you’ll find yourself transported. But don’t take my word for it. Catch “The Sound of Music” before it closes. It just might end up being one of your favorite things this summer.
“The Sound of Music” runs through Aug. 17, 2024, at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield. Tickets may be obtained at the box office, online at theatrebythesea.com or by calling 401.782.8587.
