Teniola Ayoola

“The Sound of Music” delivers on every level—the set, costumes, choreography, music, and cast. The children—Ariana Ferch (Liesl), Eli Vander Griend (Friedrich), Ava Davis (Louisa), Benjamin Stasiek (Kurt), Haddie Mac (Brigitta), Ruby Caramore (Marta), and Luciana Vandette (Gretl)—shine as true stars. The direction honors the beloved film while making full use of theatrical possibilities.

The entire cast has developed a mastery of their roles that comes across effortlessly. Caden Brauch and Burke Swanson, as Marty and George McFly respectively, are perfect foils to the bullies portrayed by Ethan Rogers as Biff Tannen and Luke Anthony Neville as Principal Strickland. Swanson’s character who “doesn’t have a spine” excels in both acting and dancing like a flailing inflatable tube man often seen outside auto dealerships. He, along with Zan Berube as Lorraine Baines, own the nuances in their character transitions over the course of the musical and attest to their versatility. As Doc Brown, Don Stephenson excels in portraying the mad scientist archetype, except that he is genuinely likable and inspirational. His performance effectively keeps us on edge, particularly during the climactic race to the clock tower. He climbs a series of projected steps with the finesse of a video game character, and at the top, he convincingly makes us believe he is clinging to the rim for dear life.