Gabriel Pauley, Makenzie Ruff, Catia Wilson, Rosemary Heckard, Luke Holcomb, Taylor Jakobs, Kynnedi Smith, and Mollie-Claire Matthews rehearse “The Sound of Music" at the Timber Lake Playhouse -- June 29 through July 9.
Thursday, June 29, through Sunday, July 9
Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll IL
One of the most venerable and beloved stage musicals of all time, The Sound of Music continues the 2023 summer season at Mt. Carroll's Timber Lake Playhouse, the show adored by all generations for its rich characters, beautiful celebration of family, and an unforgettable Rodgers & Hammerstein score boasting such iconic songs as “My Favorite Things,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” “Climb Ev'ry Mountain,” “Edleweiss,” and the unforgettable title tune.
The final collaboration between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of Music is based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, and captures a personal tale of growth and hope amidst the horrors of World War II. This timeless musical tells the tale of young postulant Maria Rainer, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules and regulations of Nonnberg Abbey. Commissioned by the Mother Abbess to serve as the governess for seven motherless children, Maria transforms the von Trapp family home from a place of dour rules and regulations to one filled with joy, laughter, and music. In the process, Maria wins the hearts of all seven children and their widower father Captain Von Trapp, although their happiness seems destined to fate when Maria and the family learn that their beloved Austria has been taken over by the Nazis, and the retired captain must report for immediate service in the Nazi Navy.
A musical masterpiece that led to an Oscar-winning 1965 film, The Sound of Music tied for the Tony Award for Best Musical with Fiorello! and won four additional awards: Mary Martin for Best Actress in a Musical, Patricia Neway for Best Featured Actress, Oliver Smith for Best Scenic Design, and Frederick Dvonch for the now-retired category of Best Conductor and Musical Director. Among the show's additional Tony contenders, Theodore Bikel and Kurt Kasznar were nominated for acting awards, Vincent J. Donehue was nominated for his direction, and the entire cast of Von Trapp children were nominated in the Best Featured Actress category as a single nominee, even though two of the children were boys. The Sound of Music's original-cast album, meanwhile, sold a remarkable three million copies, and after the show opened in London's West End at the Palace Theatre on May 18, 1961, it went on to run for 2,385 performances.
Returning to Timber Lake Playhouse to direct The Sound of Music is Anthony C. Daniel, who helmed last season's production of Nunsense, and his creative team consists of: Oliver Townsend as music director; Steven Velasquez as scenic designer; Claire Sabaj as costume designer; Annabell Sapp as props designer; Dylan Carter as lighting designer; Joe Cave as sound designer; Makenzie Ruff (who also plays eldest daughter Liesl von Trapp); and Elaina Veasey as production stage manager.
Playing the role of Maria is Mollie-Claire Matthews, with Captain von Trapp portrayed by Andrew Fehrenbacher. Returning to Timber Lake in the role of Mother Abbess is Mia Gimenez, who also played Mother Superior in last season’s Nunsense and was in Hank Williams: Lost Highway. Local performers cast in the roles of the children are Gabriel Pauley, Catia Wilson, Nadia Deline, Luke Holcomb, Alden Ames, Taylor Jakobs, Christine Ayling, Kynnedi Smith and Molly Kashner. Rosemary Heckard and Maggie Martin return from last season’s Annie as two of the von Trapps.
“This season at TLP, we had the dream of producing the classic musical The Sound of Music, utilizing our local talent and combining them with professional talent.” said Artistic Director Darren Mangler. “We are so excited to have made this dream a reality. “We are proud to bring one of the most beloved musicals to life on the TLP stage and can't wait for you to join us! The woods definitely are alive with the sound of music!”
The Sound of Music runs at the Mt. Carroll theatre June 29 through July 9, with scheduled performances at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is $25-35, and more information and tickets are available by calling (815)244-2035 and visiting TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
