Civic Theatre of Allentown’s “The Sound of Music” is a thoroughly delightful production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic.On stage at Civic’s historic 19th Street Theater through Oct. 27, “The Sound of Music” features strong performances and lovely singing.
Solidly anchoring the show is the adorable Gianna Neal as Maria, the young postulate who is sent to be a governess to the seven mischievious children of Captain von Trapp.
Neal is charming as the naive Maria, and her voice soars on beloved favorites like “My Favorite Things,” and "The Sound of Music," as well as the playful yodeling of “The Lonely Goatherd.”
Neal and the seven young actors who play the von Trapp children have great chemistry and a highlight is “Do Re Mi,” in which Maria teaches the children how to sing,
The young actors handle the counterpoint and harmonies beautifully and also are adept at the fun choreography that accompanies thee song. Playing the children are Maricel Wheatley as Liesl, Zeke Adams as Friedrich, Lila Furst as Louisa, Connor Simmons as Kurt, Maggie Kieres as Brigitta, Eleanor Swartz as Marta and Kinsley Andronis as Gretl.
Wheatley’s Liesel is sweetly vulnerable and she is appealing in “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” with an enthusiastic Todd Croslis as Rolf.
Andronis’ Gretl is cute as a button, especially in the enchanting “So Long, Farewell,” in which she and Swartz as Marta do some adorable choreography.
Tim Brown is a solid Captain von Trapp, whose character arc goes from cold and stern to caring and principled as the family faces the growing forces of Nazism as it gains power in Austria.
Shaun Hayes is well cast as Max, Captain von Trapp’s charming cad of a friend. Bethany Wentling gives a strong performance, as well, in the thankless role of Elsa, the heiress Captain von Trapp is courting and who is jealous of his attentions to Maria.
The two characters’ songs “How Can Love Survive?” and “No Way to Stop It” are lesser know tunes, but both were cleverly handled and well done by Hayes and Wentling.
Kate Varley is a wise and comforting presence as Mother Abbess, and delivers a vibrato-laced “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”
As the nuns concerned about Maria, Moriah Faith, Grace Oddo and Grace Adele Hochella are humorous and human. Their “(How do we solve a problem like) Maria” is fun and endearing.
Luke Blomstrom’s set transforms the on stage arches from the abbey to the von Trapp estate. A sweeping back drop displays the mountains.
Director Nick Conti keeps the scenes tight and smooth, while Adam Conti’s musical direction is evident in the harmonies. The five-person orchestra adds greatly to the performance.
William Sanders’ choreography is sweet and appropriate.
Civic Theatre will offer a “Pay What You Can” performance Oct. 24.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16, 18, 24 and 25; 2 p.m. Oct. 20 and 27; and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 and 26.
Tickets are $35 fo adults; $30 for seniors, students and military and $13 for children age 13 and younger.
Civic Theatre is located at 527 N 19th St., Allentown.
For information, call 610-433-8903, or go to civictheatre.com/.