Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC Bursts with Spirit & Heart at A.D. Players

Oh, where to begin? This is the kind of show that reminds you that-above all-theatre is play. And there's simply too much genuine playfulness and joy happening over at A.D. Players for you to miss out on it.

Whether you're a diehard fan of THE SOUND OF MUSIC fan or it's been a while since you indulged in it, I encourage you to make this show a priority during your summer trips to the theatre.

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After a 2-year delay due to the pandemic, A.D. Players has triumphantly opened THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Not only is it a nostalgic favorite, but its heartwrenching relevance makes it that much more of a must-see. Director Emily Tello Speck writes in the director's note, "The story of Maria and the von Trapp family is one of faith, love, passion, and strength...how timely for us, having endured a harrowing few years, to be inspired by the healing power of music," and this production fulfills every word.

If comfort food was a musical, this would be it. THE SOUND OF MUSIC is packed with all your favorite sentimental melodies and so many Rodgers & Hammerstein classics. There's something about a live orchestra that can't be beaten, and this group of 13 musicians is led with excellence by Stephen W. Jones.

Clarie Marie Spencer fits the role of Maria like a well-worn glove. Stepping into Julie Andrews' iconic role is no easy feat, but Spencer contains every ounce of youthful spirit, spunk, and warmth you're hoping for. You know within her first few notes that the character is safe in her hands. She leads the show with the utmost grace and cheer.

And then...there are the children. Where to begin with the children?! I found myself tearing up at the most unexpected moments at the sight of these young artists romping and singing onstage. These young performers really are the heart of this production, and they excel onstage.

The von Trapp family, led by Captain von Trapp (Brad Goertz), is comprised of Liesl (Taylor Aronson), Friedrich (Kai Desel), Marta (Anna Austin), Kurt (Everett Baumgarten), Louisa (Mackenzie West), Brigitta (Macie Speer), and Gretl (Norah Nunes).

(Do me a favor: When you go see the show, be sure to watch little Norah as Gretl. She follows Spencer around onstage as if she hung the moon, and it's precious. To a 7-year-old, Spencer must seem like a real-life Maria!)

Emily Tello Speck's direction and choreography are especially showcased in the group numbers with the children, such as "Do-Re-Mi", "The Lonely Goatherd" and "So Long, Farewell". Seriously, these numbers alone are worth the trip to the theatre.

"Sixteen Going on Seventeen" is a huge highlight for Taylor Aronson as Liesl and Adam Kral as Rolf. Speck's choreography shined here as the pair performed a beautiful ballet number; it was easily one of my favorite numbers in the show.

This cast of 25 boasts several Houston favorites as well as some newcomers for me. Doug Atkins earns several laughs as the fickle and pretentious Max Detweiler, Julia Laskowski wows in "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" as Mother Abbess, and Joel Sandel brings all the dry wit and sass as Franz.

This show is no small feat for a designer. The star of Jon Young's set is the massive, textured mountain range spanning the entire stage. Hudson Davis' lighting design seemed to dance off of its surface, making for a stunning backdrop. Leah Smith's costuming is spot-on (Note to self: find a dress like Maria's blue one in Act 2. Simply beautiful!). Every note is crystal clear with Andrew Harper's sound design, which can't be stressed enough as an essential to a good night at the theatre.

If this show faces any challenges, it's the sheer immensity of the stage. The George Theatre is a beautiful (albeit, massive) space, and at times the stage seems to swallow the scenes happening on it. It'd be difficult to create a set that satisfies all the locations of the show and fills the stage while still being movable. Young navigates this the best he can, with several gorgeous set pieces that move on and offstage.

There are a few moments that take away from the seamlessness of the show, as crew members facilitate scene changes or the curtain falls so the location can be switched. It's no dealbreaker for me, but it does take you out of the moment at times. Even so, whatever this production lacks in polish it makes up for in heart.

This story demonstrates grit, spirit, resilience, and joy in the face of immense challenges--something that hits close to home in many ways for our world. This would be a fantastic summer outing for the whole family (though note that it is on the longer side of 2 ½ hours, plus intermission). A.D. Players has done it again with this production, and this reviewer hopes they continue to venture into the musical theatre space!

THE SOUND OF MUSIC runs at A.D. Players through August 14th. Performances run Wednesday through Sunday until August 14th. For more information on how to purchase tickets or support A.D. Players, go to their website adplayers.org.

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