The Sound of Music
at JEB Stuart High School

Reviewed on November 22, 2014

Kelsey Loesch
Paul VI Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

J.E.B. Stuart High School is most certainly alive with "The Sound of Music." Their production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1959 musical lit up the auditorium and kept the audience entertained throughout the performance.

The classic story of the von Trapp family singers is one many know and love. The musical begins in Austria, just before World War II. Maria, a postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, is sent to the von Trapp family to work as a governess for Captain Georg von Trapp's seven children. Maria teaches the children to sing and inject music back into the militaristic household. Maria is able to win over the children and win Georg's heart in the process.

Stunning vocal performances by the two leads, Sam Williams (Georg) and Hillary Leersnyder (Maria), wowed the audience. From the minute Williams and Leersnyder opened their mouths their immense talent was obvious. Leersnyder's clear voice was especially demonstrated in "The Sound of Music" and "My Favorite Things." She proved herself to be not only a gifted singer, but a skilled actress as well. Her range of emotions were clearly demonstrated as Leersnyder portrayed Maria. Williams embodied the hardened persona of Georg von Trapp as soon as he stepped on stage. His incredible voice was showcased each time Williams sang. This was particularly true in his solo number, "Edelweiss." "In Something Good" with Williams and Leersnyder, the two's talents complimented each other effortlessly.

The von Trapp children, played by two high schoolers, Abby Stewart and Berkeley Wilkins, and five middle and elementary schoolers, Mae Fleming, Sam Wells, Cordelia Clayton, Josie Clayton, and Ellie Stewart, were delightful. The young performers held their own on stage, especially in "So Long, Farewell." The children worked well with Leersnyder (Maria) notably in "Do-Re-Mi" and "The Lonely Goatherd." The children took to the demanding roles with ease resulting in their enjoyable performance.

Providing comic relief and upbeat songs were Mike Ritter (Max) and Sarah Rubin (Elsa). The two took to their entertaining and interesting roles with vigor. Songs like, "How Can Love Survive" and "No Way to Stop It" were a fun change of pace. Rubin's voice was splendid and Ritter's facial expressions enhanced his quirky character.

Some impressive tech categories worth mentioning are the remarkably quick scene changes, colorful and consistently period costumes, and beautiful lighting that added to each scene. The superb job of the Stuart Sound of Music Pit Orchestra contributed immensely to the success of the show overall. The music never overpowered the actors, instead it aided each song. Despite some sound troubles, "The Sound of Music" was an immensely entertaining production.

Exceptional vocal talents and strong performances produced an entertaining musical that most definitely had the audience alive with the sound of music.

Bryce Rosenberg
Thomas Edison High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

"[Stuart] is alive, with the Sound of Music!" J.E.B. Stuart's production of the beloved classic, Sound Of Music, stays true to the heartfelt themes of the 1965 Julie Andrews film. The story of an aspiring nun who becomes a governess to a seven-child Navy family is both known and loved worldwide. With professionalism beyond a mere high school, Stuart captured this iconic story perfectly, staging an elegant yet relentlessly energetic production. Navy family is both known and loved worldwide. With professionalism beyond a mere high school, Stuart captured this iconic story perfectly, staging an elegant yet relentlessly energetic production.
Hillary Leersnyder is a true Maria. Filled with grace, poise, and an irrepressible lust for life she was the life force of this production. Building heartwarming connections with the charming Von Trapp children, she showed a natural maternal instinct that translated to a truly devoted and loving governess, and then mother. Leersnyder stood true to the bar of perfection set by Andrews, delivering beautiful tone to accompany her crisp-bouncing voice. Originally a well-meaning but lively nun, Maria is bursting with excitement. Leersnyder too, was extremely excited, even a bit nervous at the beginning. Yet from the moment she arrived at the Von Trapp Manor, Leersnyder completely embraced her character, effortlessly making the most of every action and line.

Behind the impressive Maria, each actor held their own. Sam Williams was proud and confident as Georg Von Trapp; captain of his house and master of his vocal chords. Williams's clear bass matched perfectly to the joyful Leersnyder's; creating clear harmonies that allowed a somewhat lacking physical relationship to be touchingly affirmed emotionally. Other standouts in the cast in included Margie Greer as the surprisingly spunky Frau Schmidt, maintaining a professional demeanor but allowing her fierce loyalty to the Von Trapp's to shine through. Julia Pivoriunaite was a stern and commanding Mother Abbess, yet also showing off a heartfelt tenderness in her scenes with Leersnyder. The indelibly charming Von Trapp children played their roles with perfect taste, no matter the age. Enlivening any scene they were in, these adorable siblings were almost hard to let go when their scenes came to an end.

With constant set changes, the stage evolved from a pristine Von Trapp Manor to the stern yet familiar walls of an abbey. The pieces were large and intricate without being over the top. Perfectly lit, the lighting matched the tone of each scene, from a gradually brightening marriage to the contrasting dark and white flashes of a thunderstorm. The costume department did an amazing job; each outfit was clearly intentional, even though the characters constantly disappeared for costume changes that credited their rich lifestyle.

J.E.B. Stuart's production was much more than a simple musical, it was an experience. Perfect portrayals of iconic roles allowed this heartfelt performance to match the high standard of its beloved history.

Tyler Shores
Mt. Vernon High School
Submitted for publication to Falls Church News Press

In our lifetime, we have been entertained by timeless songs that still linger in our minds for years and years to come. Some of these classic songs such as "Do-Re-Me", "My Favorite Things", and even "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" have nestled in our minds for a lifetime. These musical numbers and many more can be found in "The Sound of Music" showcased by J.E.B. Stuart High School.

The original production was first performed on Broadway in 1959 and ran for over 1,400 shows. Since then, there have been numerous revivals and adaptations of this iconic masterpiece. The show is based in Salzburg, Austria, at the beginning of World War II. The main character, Maria, is given the task to be the governess of seven children (the von Trapp Family)after showing that being a nun was not her niche. She used music as a tool to shed light to an already dark household. She begins to not only develop a bond with the children, but a romance with the father (Georg von Trapp) towards the end, Captain von Trapp is being asked to join the invading Nazi party and in spite,chooses to flee the country with his family.

J.E.B. Stuart's production of "The Sound of Music" was noteworthy in most if not all categories. The foundation of the show was carried in balance between the two main characters and the ensemble of the von Trapp family. A huge technical aspect that helped keep the mood of the show was the orchestra. These highlights and many more of the musical made it a memorable performance overall.

Marie (Hillary Leersnyder) was prominent in her role as transitioning from an outgoing, mother- like figure to an actual stationary mother throughout the two acts. Her character was effective in showing this especially in the musical number "Do-Re-Me" where she coddled the von Trapp children throughout the song making it a very sweet and light hearted moment for the audience. Georg von Trapp (Sam Williams) was effective in his role as well. His chemistry between Maria was strong and created a believable relationship revealed in the song "Something Good" which also was a standalone aspect of the show.

The von Trapp children in particular helped the plot line of the story. Each one of them had an individual character that continuously warmed the hearts of many in the audience. A praise worthy trait the group of seven shown as a whole was their ability to sing the difficult songs as an ensemble. Their interaction with Leersnyder and Williams made them a lovable and entertaining group to watch through both acts.

Some technical aspects that were implemented helped the overall flow with the show. The orchestra did a commendable job of keeping up with the singing of the actors/actresses. Their technique of ending songs when needed were clear and precise permitting the show to run smoothly. Most musical numbers by the orchestra were flawless making the music very fluid. Another technical aspect was the scene chang They were rapidly paced, making the story more engaging rather than waiting for the next scene to happen.

"The Sound of Music" lived up to its name. J.E.B. Stuart did not only present many classic songs, but they also stuck in the minds of the audience members, making it an enjoyable production overall.

James Mullen
Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Fairfax

With all the tools required to put on a musical, J.E.B. Stuart High School recently excited their audience with what is perhaps the most cliché but well-loved musicals of all time, "The Sound of Music." The musical (which is undoubtedly already familiar to most everybody) is about a young lady named Maria who is sent to be the governess of seven adorable children. She falls in love with their father, but when Nazi forces attempt to separate them, they must find a way to triumph over all.

Based on true events, the musical was adapted from the real Maria von Trapp's memoir "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers." The last work of Rodgers and Hammerstein, it opened on Broadway in 1959 and was turned into a Best Picture winning movie starring Julie Andrews in 1965. Truly, this is a high standard to live up to, but J.E.B. Stuart did their best to keep up the pace!

Suspiciously good prayer chanting starts off the show, the curtain opens to reveal Maria's home, where she is prayerfully considering becoming a nun. Maria (Hillary Leersnyder), a girl with a song in her heart and love in her soul, starts us off with the title song, and from that point on the audience is absolutely rooting for her. Hillary portrayed a girl whose high ideals and endless love is able to convert the hardest of hearts. Her chemistry with the cast of adorable lil' tykes (and a few teens) was wonderful and believable.

Also worthy of mention is the powerful Captain von Trapp (Sam Williams), whose soothing voice made the audience wish that he had about twice as many songs. On the subject of vocals, another standout performance was that of Elsa (Sarah Rubin), a much less well known role (due to its unfortunate lack of songs in the movie version). All of the von Trapp children were wonderful in their own way, starting from the small and adorable Gretel (Ellie Stewart) to the sixteen year old independent Liesl (Abby Fleming). The group had a great family dynamic, and was heartrendingly warm in audience favorite "Do-Re-Me."

A musical is nothing without a pit orchestra, and J.E.B.'s pit orchestra, while small, lived up to the daunting task of this particular musical with great timing and harmony with the actors. The scene changes were also rather good – the show flowed with great ease, and the audience really appreciated that.

Something about this show is rather magical. It could be the music, which makes even musical-haters start humming. It could be the WWII setting, which is a favorite for storytelling across the board. But in the grand scheme of things, it seems to be Maria's love that is the attraction – everybody wants a mother like Maria. J.E.B. Stuart, in their production of "The Sound of Music" did a wonderful job of giving the audience a little taste of that love.

Lily Habenstreit
Albert Einstein High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

In the years leading up to World War II, Europe fell into chaos; with the rise of the Nazis and the fall of democracy, it was impossible to escape the terrifying new oppression. However, J.E.B. Stuart High School's entertaining production of "The Sound of Music" proved that, with just a handful of songs and little bit of spunk, it's always possible to have hope.

The "Sound of Music," with music by the iconic team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, opened on Broadway in 1959 and became an instant classic, proceeding to run for 1,443 performances, garner nine Tony nominations, and tie for the award for Best Musical. The show, based on a true story, follows a young postulant named Maria, who is sent to be a governess for the large von Trapp family. As she wins over the hearts of the children, and eventually that of the family's strict patriarch, conflict arises when the Nazis attempt to invade their homeland of Austria and rob the family's freedom forever.

Leading the production was Hillary Leersnyder in the role of Maria. Leersnyder's bright energy and motherly demeanor fit her character exceptionally, and her lovely soprano voice helped to carry the show through all of its conflict and excitement. Her chemistry with the von Trapp children was excellent and created a fun mood for the instantly charmed audience. At her side was Sam Williams as the father of the family, Captain Georg von Trapp. Williams' deep, ringing voice was enchanting and developed his older, more stoic character admirably.

The two leads were supported by a strong cast of supporting characters. The von Trapp children tackled their large roles professionally and brought an adorable and refreshing energy to the stage. Abby Stewart, in the role of eldest daughter Liesl, helped to guide the younger children and captured the spirit of her developing teenage character well. Portraying the character of Elsa, Captain Von Trapp's fiancée, was Sarah Rubin, whose steady voice brought strength to the cast.

The show moved seamlessly with its clever and quick scene changes, and was well underscored by a consistently good orchestra. The small pit supported the actors well, without overpowering them, and executed the older, classic score with ease.

With infectious energy, pleasant vocal talents, and deep character development, J.E.B. Stuart's cast created an enjoyable production of the timeless musical, "The Sound of Music."

Stephen Coakley
Tuscarora High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

The Austrian countryside, men in lederhosen, and soaring melodies. Whether it is responsible for teaching you a major scale or is just family tradition, "The Sound of Music" has become an iconic piece of American musical theatre. The timeless classic was recently performed by J.E.B. Stuart High School with eloquent vocals and superb acting.

Opening in 1959, The Sound of Music is Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's final work. It is an autobiographical take on the life of Maria von Trapp and has been revived, made into a live television performance, and, most popularly, been adapted to a film staring Julie Andrews. It follows Maria (Hillary Leersnyder), a postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, who is summoned to serve as a governess for the von Trapp family, who is run by the strict, former naval captain, Georg von Trapp (Sam Williams). Along the way, she forms a bond with the children of the family and falls in love with the Captain, despite his engagement to Baroness Elsa Schraeder (Sarah Rubin).

Hillary Leersnyder was undoubtedly impressive as Maria. She performed the popular melodies of "Do-Re-Mi", "My Favorite Things", and "The Sound of Music" with originality and ease. She proved to be quite the songbird, displaying her smooth, sweet soprano through eloquent phrasing and a mature range. Her realistic approach to the role was refreshing, as she portrayed a somewhat quirky, kind-hearted, and maternal presence.

Sam Williams flawlessly swooned the audience with his lovely vocals. His ability to showcase the entire spectrum of his voice, from his low, resonate tones, to his airy falsetto, pulled at the heart strings, specifically in numbers like "My Favorite Things (Reprise)" and "Edelweiss". His transition from a strict, militaristic, and stoic man to a loving father was evidently clear. He also managed to depict adorable chemistry with his equally adorable children.

Abby Stewart and John Lesko displayed their comedic, budding relationship as Leisl and Rolf in "Sixteen Going on Seventeen". Their relationship perfectly and accurately depicted the awkward aura that comes with adolescent romance. They were also able to showcase their dancing chops in a lengthy and well-choreographed waltz.

Perhaps the most impressive element of the performance was the small, but capable, orchestra. The orchestra's ability to adjust their dynamics based off of the actors singing was a pleasing touch, especially when microphones no longer became adequate. They sufficiently accompanied the actors and played in tune for the entirety of the performance.

J.E.B. Stuart brought some favorite things to its patrons, with their pleasing production of a familiar show. Without a doubt, the hills most certainly came alive in Falls Church.