The Sound of Music is, generation after generation, a family favorite. And with good reason, too. Bouncy songs, gentle themes (well, except for that whole “Nazi Germany” thing), and the underlying message of Love Conquers All make it an exceptional primer into the world of musical theatre (and film)! The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s fresh new staging is a truly special event with an incredibly talented cast. (Check out my interview on Chicago Parent with the gracious and cool Jenn Gambatese, who plays Maria!
First and foremost, if you’ve not yet experienced a show at Chicago’s Lyric Opera- you need to fix that, stat. This place was meant for soaring music, and few shows fill a space like this quite like The Sound of Music.
It begins in an abbey. And sweet Lord, do those rafters get filled with heavenly hymns! From the moment that conductor Rob Fisher first signals to the orchestra, you’re well aware that your ears are in for quite a treat.
The Lyric’s take on this production (under the direction of Michael Bruni) is thrilling, even if you’ve seen the film version a gazillion and two times. And as for star power? Broadway vet Jenn Gambatese (Wicked, Disney’s Tarzan) possesses an enviable range- and a genuine comedic wit. (Who knew Maria was so hilarious?) Edward Hibbert (who’s best known for a memorable recurring character on Frasier, among many others) brings levity and humor to the occasionally dark Max Detweiler. Opera diva Christine Brewer is charmingly empathetic as Mother Superior, and her fellow operatic sensation Elizabeth Futral is positively stunning as the acerbic Elsa Schraeder. And in the role of Captain Von Trapp, native Chicagoan Billy Zane (Titanic, Broadway’s Chicago) is stern, imposing- and dreamy as heck.
Image courtesy of Todd Rosenberg Photography
The chemistry between Gambatese and Zane builds adorably- and adorably awkwardly- throughout the first half of the show, heating to a downright sizzle at the romantic ballad Something Good. And as for that gaggle of Von Trapp kiddos, they’re all terrific; every single one of them. Easily the highlight of the show for Nora were the Von Trapp kid scenes. They ride bikes on stage! They sing and twirl and picnic with the best of them! (And after the show, Nora was a tad starstruck when she got to meet Gretl Von Trapp, the super adorable Nicole Scimeca.)
Nora meeting actress Nicole Scimeca.
(Excited much, NJ?)
Nora was stunned by the extravagant set pieces- designed by Michael Yeargan- which moved and spun and slid seamlessly into place as the show transitioned from inside to the outside of the Von Trapp estate. (Okay, she wasn’t alone on that one.)
At just under three hours (including intermission), this show might be a little long for the younger and uninitiated theatregoer. That said, both acts simply zipped by for me- and my favorite four year-old reviewer managed pretty well.
And I’m extremely excited to offer my readers a 50% off discount code to see The Sound of Music at The Lyric Opera for its matinee performances on May 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, and 15th! (Use the code SOMTREAT when buying tix.) Or, for a 20% off discount on any Tuesday through Saturday show, use the code MUSTSEE. Head here and make that happen. You guys, this kind of deal- for this kind of show- does not happen every day. (And if it does, can I come hang out with you more often?)
The point being? See this show. See it now.
It will absolutely become one of your favorite things.
***
The Sound of Music at The Lyric Opera runs April 25th to May 25th, 2014
For tix and more info, head to www.lyricopera.org
Disclosure: I was provided complimentary tickets to this show, but all thoughts, opinions, and songs stuck in my head are my own.
Speak Your Mind