Paul Batterson

Thanks to the standout performances of the cast, a brilliant, moving score by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Justin Levine and strategically sparse staging, THE OUTSIDERS still delivers an emotional sucker punch.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC troupe, which performs Feb. 24-March 1 at the Ohio Theatre (39 E. State Street in downtown Columbus), uses a spirited performance, shifting scenery, and a wonderfully orchestrated score to reconnect the classic with those who grew up with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer’s version of it.

Yet through it all, Kimberly maintains a sense of guarded optimism. In “Make A Wish,” she makes three requests to the Make a Wish Foundation of New Jersey, knowing only one of her dreams will be fulfilled. After wishing to be a super model for a day or to have an outlandish yacht cruise with 40 friends, she wants something heartbreakingly simple: “(a) home-cooked meal, a table set for three/They'll ask me how my day was. I'll mention science class/We'll end with cherry cheesecake and a little Mel Torme.” Realizing this dream is probably too much to ask for, Kimberly settles for asking for a treehouse … even though her backyard is devoid of trees.

"Diamond’s sequined jumpers and suits may sparkle in the spotlight but A BEAUTIFUL NOISE also reveals the dark spots in the singer’s starry life. And that is what molds even the most reluctant of listeners into Diamond fans by curtain call."

Webb’s powerhouse vocals and energy are matched by her comedic timing. Francois sees a quickie wedding as a way to circumvent various parental threats, but Juliet is having “nun” of it. (Shakespeare loves his puns.)