Howard Gollop

The cast members triumph vocally, but unfortunately vary in performance. Fortunately, Sydney K. Borchers, who Wednesday night stepped in as understudy for iconic leading role of Maria, was majestic and compelling as she navigates seven unwieldy children, a staunch family matriarch and romantic competition from a regal baroness (beautifully portrayed here by Kate Loprest with a touch of sophisticated irony). Unfortunately, Kevin Earley could not break through the one-dimensional nature of Captain von Trapp; a little more nuance would go a long way.