The Sound of Music
at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School

Reviewed on April 30, 2016

Emily Swett
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Prince William

How do you solve a problem like Maria? Send her to be the governess to seven rowdy children and she'll change their lives with a couple of songs and lots of love. Falling for their father isn't part of the plan, but it can't hurt. Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School did an admirable job presenting this classic story in their performance of "The Sound of Music".

Made famous by the 1965 movie starring Julie Andrews, "The Sound of Music" tells the story of a quirky prospective nun who is sent to be the governess in a family headed by the strict widower Navy Captain von Trapp. Maria brings music and joy back into the austere home and to the Captain, but the Captain's resistance to the growth of the Nazi regime in Austria creates new concerns for the von Trapps. With music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, "The Sound of Music" is beauty to watch, listen to, and sing along with.

The von Trapp children were a joy to watch as they giggled with one another, portraying their respective ages effectively. From the hilarity of rambunctious yodeling during "The Lonely Goatherd" to the tension created by their flight from the Nazis, the children were an engaging and entertaining ensemble.

The duet "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" left the audience blushing at Rolf Gruber (Luke Morris) and the Captain's eldest daughter Liesl (Mary Wright) as they twirled around the stage, lost in young love. Rolf and Liesl seemed the perfect pair, enjoying their charming number as much as the audience. Another standout was the youngest von Trapp, Gretl (Gabriella Chellis), who kept the audience cooing, whether meekly shuffling around her siblings or braving a thunderstorm (under the shelter of Maria's bedcovers).

Roan McLean played Maria with a bright voice and bubbly enthusiasm, interacting naturally with the bouncy von Trapp children. In contrast, Captain Georg von Trapp, played by Joe Litzinger, was appropriately stoic, cracking smiles only for Maria.

Mother Abbess (Annaliese Tamke) and the Sisters Berthe (Annemarie Long), Margaretta (Jessica Sydow), and Sophia (Jasmine Pierce) provided strong energy and lovely four-part harmony during "Maria". Tamke's warm voice was a highlight, notably in the inspirational "Climb Every Mountain". Other supporting actors included Max Detweiler (Stan Dobis), who won laughs with his witty comedic timing, and the equally amusing Elsa Schraeder (Megan Krakie).

An impressive student-built set was backed by a gorgeous hand-painted backdrop of the Austrian mountains surrounding the von Trapp estate. Despite some sound errors, cast and crew triumphed with heart as they performed Rogers' and Hammerstein's well-loved score. The student orchestra did an excellent job as well, never overpowering the actors.

Tackling a show as well-known as this can be a challenge, but Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School rose to the occasion with their successful production of "The Sound of Music".

Gillian Wright
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Prince William

Music is a language that touches every human heart. Transcending the barriers of age, class, and personal beliefs, songs hold the power to develop community, dissolve prejudice, and establish joy. In St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School's production of "The Sound of Music," Maria, an avid songstress, learns how to bring cheer to children in a household that has forbidden music.

The beloved musical, written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, opened on Broadway in 1959 and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show's popularity inspired the 1965 release of a movie by the same title starring Julie Andrews, which remains a classic to this day. Based on true events, the plot follows Maria Rainer, a postulant at an Austrian abbey, who is sent to the von Trapp family as a governess when her spirit proves to be too exuberant for convent life. A stern man, Captain von Trapp is not amused by Maria's playful personality, but when her presence unveils his children's love for him, the Captain begins to see Maria in a much fonder light.

Starring as Maria, Roan McLean was animated and uplifting as she whirled around the stage and led the von Trapp troupe in learning how to sing. McLean's movements were nimble and graceful whether dancing the polka or prancing through the abbey, and her lovely voice transitioned from touching to teasing with skillful ease. Captain von Trapp (Joe Litzinger) portrayed a decisive yet distant disposition in the first act, but as his affection for Maria grew, his demeanor softened, causing Litzinger's performance as a whole to blossom in the second act, culminating in a powerful rendition of "Edelweiss" with Maria and the children.

Despite authoritarian parenting, the von Trapp children emulated Maria's effervescence in their interactions, both musical and otherwise. Liesl (Mary Wright) was especially memorable for her flirty duet, "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," in which she flitted across the stage with beau Rolf Gruber (Luke Morris). Gruber's performance in the duet was charming, but as Rolf chose his political allegiance over personal affairs, his personality grew harsh and cold, provoking a tearful episode in Liesl. Gretl (Gabriella Chellis) was another highlight of the show; her jocund temperament and juvenile physicality were always thoroughly amusing.

Setting a production in the Alps is no trivial task, but a breathtaking backdrop hand painted by students transported the show to luxuriant Austrian mountainside. Other aspects of the set included a sweeping staircase, rolling platform, and stained-glass decorated flats, each of which contributed to the multiplicity of necessary settings. Realistic props, including rosaries and newspapers, enhanced the authenticity of the production, and subtle makeup accentuated the age and social status of characters. Aside from difficulties with microphones, the sound was well executed, most notably in the balance between vocals and music, which was played by a gifted student orchestra.

Life for the von Trapp family was not all singing on mountains surrounded by raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Both Liesl and Maria experience broken hearts, and as the choral family is gaining recognition, they are forced to leave Austria, which is being occupied by the Nazi regime. As Maria advises, though, in times of tribulation, they simply remember their favorite things, and then they don't feel so bad. St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School's delightful production of "The Sound of Music" embodied Maria's timeless admonition to "climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, until you find your dream."

Noah Mutterperl
Hayfield Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - PWC/FQ

As the lights went up to the sound of the astounding chorus singing Latin hymns, the audience knew they were in store for the bright, and moving performance that was Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School's production of the timeless classic, "The Sound of Music."

Based on the memoir of the nun-turned-musical matriarch, Maria von Trapp, this musical play with music and lyrics by the iconic team of Rogers and Hammerstein set the standard for musicals that followed, given the unforgettable score and undeniable heart of the show. Upon its 1959 premiere on Broadway, "The Sound of Music" received critical acclaim, and in 1960, became one of the only musicals to win in a tie for Best Musical at the Tony Awards. Set in 1938 Austria, the story centers on Maria, who is sent to become a governess for the children of the widower, austere Captain von Trapp. With her love of music, Maria brings joy back into the family's lives, ultimately helping the Captain recognize the importance of his children to his life.

As the free-spirited Maria, Roan Mclean demonstrated infectious enthusiasm, as needed to believably play the vibrant governess. Mclean overcame the slight hindrance of spotty microphones, still managing to project her voice to the audience in her numerous, high-energy numbers. Joe Litzinger expertly embodied the militant physicality and personality of Captain Georg von Trapp, with sharp, specific movements. Litzinger also awed the audience with his resonant baritone vocals, particularly in the pleasant lullaby "Edelweiss."

As Liesl von Trapp, the oldest of the von Trapp children, Mary Wright proved to be a true triple threat. Wright not only displayed Liesl's dilemma of being treated as a child on the verge of adulthood, but also showed off her impressive soprano voice and strong dancing. She was well complimented by Luke Morris, as Liesl's love interest Rolf Gruber. Morris portrayed the youthful and charming Rolf through excellent facial expressions and well-paced delivery of lines. Together, the pair found their footing in their delightful rendition of "Sixteen Going On Seventeen," making the song a highlight of the show.

The seven von Trapp children were another excellent aspect of the performance. As an ensemble, they established a complex family dynamic, where the siblings would at times squabble and other times smother one another with affection. The actresses who played the nuns must also be commended for their beautiful blend of vocals during their several hymns throughout the show.

The excellent orchestra maintained the lengthy score, while cleverly placed behind the set. Despite their placement, the JP Orchestra sounded full and precise, without drowning out the vocalists.

The set of the von Trapp Estate's grand staircase proved to be an effective base for the various pieces that were added to change the locations of scenes. However, the most poignant aspect was the gorgeous, student painted backdrop of the rolling hills of Austria. The actual changing of the sets from scene to scene was done incredibly well by the stage crew, working swiftly during transitions to keep the show running smoothly.

Unfortunately, the occasional crackling of microphones was distracting at times, but the actors compensated with their projection and immense energy.

Thanks to the cast and crews dedication to their respective roles in the show, Saint John Paul's production of "The Sound of Music" left the audience with a genuine sense of hope, preaching the imperative lesson, that with love, all can climb every mountain.

Emily Dillard
Fairfax High School
Submitted for publication to Prince William Times

Talented students at St. John Paul the Great, Catholic High School got the audience on their feet with their energetic, exciting and engaging production of Sound of Music.

The cast's energy made this timeless musical come to life in a sweet and fresh way. Impressive vocal dynamics from the whole cast were captivating and were especially showcased in songs such as, "Do-Re-Mi" and, "The Lonely Goatherd." This feel good show captured the heart of Austria on the brink of World War II and delivered a powerful message of confidence, perseverance and love.

On her journey of self discovery Maria Rainer (Roan McLean) is forced to leave the comfort of the abbey walls in order to be the governess for seven young children of a former naval captain. Maria must navigate her new life outside of the abbey and carry out God's mission even if it doesn't always seem like the easiest task. The story of Sound of Music has warmed the heart of all ages around the world and continues to be a thriving classic in the U.S.

Roan McLean had a sweet, genuine characterization during the show which was show cased in scenes between her and her love the stoic Captain Georg von Trapp (Joe Litzinger.) McLean and Litzinger's performance and set a strong tone for the ending of the show.

In a supporting role, the captain's eldest daughter Liesl (Mary Wright) shined out vocally in her song "Sixteen Going on Seventeen." Her performance was genuine and heart felt which added to the realism of the show. Rolf Gruber (Luke Morris) was a charming actor and did an outstanding job at playing a dynamic roll. His duet with Liesl was a playful foil to the changing political current in Austria at the time.

Captain von Trapp's old family friend Max Detweiler (Stan Dobis) had a charming voice which fit perfectly into his numbers, "No Way to Stop It," and "How can Love Survive?" Accompanying Max and the Captian was the elegant Elsa Schraeder (Megan Krakie.) Krakie's physicalization was spot on to her lavish and wealthy character.

John Paul the Great's student orchestra had a consistently fabulous performance and set the tone for production numbers such as, "Climb Every Mountain" and they kept the audience engaged during scene changes as well.

Technically the show was quite esthetic and was accented by the glowing Austrian mountain side painted effectively to fit the stage. Lighting by Andrew Krakie and Zane Brunsman set a soft and warm tone for the show and complimented the impressive set constructed by John Paul's technical theatre students.

Sound of Music at John Paul the Great, Catholic High School journeyed into a story of love, life, and family.This smooth and energetic performance by cast and crew went off with out a hitch and left on a high note.

Carina Kiema
Fairfax High School
Submitted for publication to The Catholic Herald

The entire auditorium of Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School was truly alive with the sound of music this weekend.

The Sound of Music is a musical based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp. Set in Austria during the tense political time leading up to the Anschluss in 1938, the musical tells the story of Maria, who becomes the governess to the von Trapp family. She falls in love with the children, and ultimately their widowed father, Captain von Trapp, whom she later marries. The Captain is ordered to accept a commission with the Nazis, but has no desire to do so. Maria and the family then have to flee Austria in the dead of night to avoid being caught and persecuted by the vigilant Nazi regime.

The original Broadway production opened on November 16, 1959. It won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It was adapted as a film starring Julie Andrews in 1965, which won five Academy Awards.

Saint John Paul the Great High School's production of The Sound of Music was a great success, leaving the audience with a magical energy.

Lead Actress Roan McLean, playing Maria Rainer, had an authentic warmth and bubbliness about her, which was essential to the nurturing spirit of her character.

Luke Morris, playing Rolf Gruber, was a handsome and gracious character. His on-stage relationship with Supporting Actress Mary Wright, playing Liesl von Trapp, seemed real and endearing. The small smiles and adoring looks they shared with each other lent an authentic intimacy to their relationship.The genuine chemistry between the two lovebirds in the first act led to an outstanding, heartwarming duet in the song Sixteen Going on Seventeen. This made Rolf siding with the Nazis in the second Act a heartbreaking betrayal. But Morris redeemed himself in the final scenes of the play, when he spares the von Trapp family as they are being hunted down. Morris's hands noticeably shook as he pointed his gun at the Captain, which was a great touch that added to the heightened tension of this scene.

The Ensemble of the seven von Trapp Children was a hit. They were genuinely lovable and had a great bond with each other, as real brothers and sisters would. And though some of those playing children were older, their movements and actions were still consistent with the tirelessness of children. The ensemble also had great harmonies and captivating vocal and stage presence. Female Vocalist Mary Wright, playing Liesl von Trapp, had a clear, strong voice that was an absolute delight to listen to.
Comic actor Stan Dobis, playing Max Detweiler had a way to make even the seriousness of the political state seem light and humorous. His wit and craftiness was an amusement to watch.

The hand-painted set was stunning, with lush forestry and foggy mountains seemingly far in the distance. The high ceilings were utilized to the fullest, and the mountains looked as if they extended to the sky. Additionally, the Orchestra was lovely, paying homage to the classic songs of the play.

The show was an overall pleasure to watch, and is sure to leave you reluctant to say farewell.

Sophia DeLoatche
Bishop Ireton High School
Submitted for publication to Lorton Valley Star

"How do you solve a problem like Maria?" Well, that's a question that the students of Saint John Paul the Great answered in their captivating production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music. Opening in 1959, the original Broadway production of this show went on to win five Tony awards before becoming a major motion picture in 1965. The classic story focuses on a woman named Maria, who while on the path to the convent takes a job as a governess to the von Trapp family. She teaches the family to love music once again and falls in love with and marries the Captain von Trapp, before the family is forced to flee Austria to escape the Nazis.

Maria (Roan McLean) commanded the stage just as she commanded the von Trapp children with her loving personality and sweet voice. Likewise, Captain von Trapp (Joe Litzinger) acted as a nice foil to her with his stoic posture and facial expression. The only time the audience could catch a glimpse of a smile on his face was when he glanced at Maria, offering a believable realness to their relationship. The two both wowed the crowd with impressive vocals as well.

The supporting cast for this production was fantastic. The show opened with a group of nuns executing impeccable harmonies in the Preludium, and also in the musical number Maria. The Mother Abbess (Annaliese Tamke) got her chance to showcase her impressive vocals in the Act I closer, Climb Every Mountain. Additionally, the von Trapp children acted like every bit the family unit they were portraying on the stage. In particular, Liesl (Mary Wright) and Gretl (Gabriella Chellis) as the oldest and youngest of the children really brought a believable energy to the production. Chellis as Gretl with her drawn-on freckles was heartwarmingly adorable and a crowd favorite, and Liesl and her suitor Rolf (Luke Morris) wowed the crowd with their rendition of Sixteen going on Seventeen and the choreography that accompanied it. Although there were some troubles with the sound system and some obviously one-sided romantic chemistry, the cast consistently rose above the obstacles and carried on.

The set was impressive and versatile, being two flights of stairs in front of an impressive hand-painted backdrop that transformed into both the von Trapp household and the abbey. The lighting was simple yet extremely effective, using the space of the relatively small theater to its advantage.

All in all, Saint John Paul the Great's production of The Sound of Music was a fun time had by all, be it in the audience, performing onstage, or helping out in the background.

Emily Lachow
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to The JP Wolf Print

Whirling upon a vibrant grassy hill, beneath a blue sky streaked with white, Maria Rainer welcomed her audience to Austria with the familiarly exuberant words: "The hills are alive with the sound of music!" Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School captured the classic beauty of The Sound of Music, and proved that the tale of the von Trapp family is timeless.

The story of The Sound of Music is based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, in which Maria similarly flees Austria after joining the von Trapp family. The musicalized version, with music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein, opened on Broadway in 1959 with great success. The 1965 film, starring Julie Andrews, became an instant classic and won five Academy Awards.

Leading the cast as Maria, Roan McLean brought a heartfelt liveliness to her role. McLean grounded the von Trapp family with her maternal presence, and was radiant each moment she graced the stage. Accompanying Maria was her leading man, Captain Georg von Trapp (Joe Litzinger). From his first appearance onstage, Litzinger's formidable demeanor was powerful. However, as the Captain fell in love with Maria, his fearsome disposition smoothly melted away, along with his antagonism.

The Captain's eldest daughter Liesl, portrayed by Mary Wright, possessed a skilled soprano voice which rounded out the von Trapp family chorus. As her conflicted love interest Rolf, Luke Morris engaged the audience consistently. He explored a wide range of emotions, exhibiting a fun and flirtatious demeanor during "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," but finding a more stoic presence as the show progressed. The youngest von Trapp child, Gretl (Gabriella Chellis) was childishly witty, drawing bouts of laughter from the audience.

The Von Trapp Family ensemble performed with a consistent effervescence. The actors were cohesive, yet each stood out in their own character. The blending of their proficient singing voices resulted in some truly enjoyable numbers, such as the iconic "So Long, Farewell." This laudable singing talent was echoed by the nuns, who sang with luscious and well-rehearsed harmonies.

The set design was able to fully capture the essence of each location it represented, a stand out being the student-painted backdrop of the mountains. The scene transitions were smooth and well paced with the accompaniment. The orchestra was strategically placed behind the set, and their volume never distracted from the actors' performances. The lighting design was minimalistic but well executed, changing in brightness to reflect the mood of each scene.

Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School performed The Sound of Music with the same classic feel that captured the heart of many over fifty years ago. With committed performances and impressive technical elements, the students demonstrated that the sound of music really can conquer anything.

Samuel Intrater
Albert Einstein High School
Submitted for publication to The JP Wolf Print

Lovely singing, endearing performers, and beautiful sets; these are a few of my favorite things about Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School's production of the legendary musical Sound of Music!

The surprisingly true story of The Sound of Music takes place in Salzburg, Austria on the eve of World War II, and follows Maria Rainer as she attempts to bring music and happiness back into the lives of the gloomy seven-children family of Captain Georg von Trapp. It was adapted from the real Maria's autobiography into a Broadway musical in 1959 and an Academy-Award winning film starring Julie Andrews in 1965.

The first thing noticeable once the curtains opened was the gorgeous backdrop of the Austrian mountains. Thanks to the work of an entire team of students who apparently spent several consecutive hours painting, the hills certainly did "come alive".

Roan McLean endeared the audience in her iconic lead role. She adorably captured Maria's childlike, music-loving spirit, and her vocals delivered on timeless tunes such as "My Favorite Things" and "The Lonely Goatherd". Her performance was overall very feel-good and fun to watch. One of the turning points in the show was in "The Sound of Music (Reprise)" when Joe Litzinger, who had previously been portraying a very stern and strict Captain von Trapp, opened his mouth and a booming singing voice came out to shock the audience in a moment that needed to be powerful. After this memorable moment, he was able to transition his character into the more compassionate, fatherly Captain that is needed for the second act.

Other standout performances include Megan Krakie's conniving performance as Elsa Schraeder, Stan Dobis' charming portrayal of Uncle Max, the pitch perfect Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey, and a collectively delightful ensemble of the seven von Trapp children, all the way from the rebellious eldest Mary Wright (Liesl) to the sweet little Gabriella Chellis (Gretl).

Sound issues did distract from several of the performances, which is to be expected from any high school show (one could say there's "no way to stop it"). Other presentational aspects of the show, like the costumes and the aforementioned set, were masterfully done, and added a real magic to certain scenes in the second act, like a beautiful wedding and an especially grand finale.

The movie has been seen by many, and some newer generations may have been introduced to The Sound of Music through recent televised productions on NBC or ITV, but Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School was a great place to experience the quintessential musical the way it was intended to be: as live theatre.