| The Von Trapp children along with Maria learn to sing from Maria, their governess. |
The Sound of Music was presented by the Emery High drama department along with the Emery County Community Theatre this past week in Castle Dale. The Sound of Music tells the story of the widowed, retired Austrian naval officer, Capt. Georg Von Trapp played by Jake Barnett. Von Trapp is in need of some help with his seven children who have a certain talent for running off their governess, so he is, once more, in need of another one. He runs his home in a stern, military way, so he thinks the local Abbey, with their restrictive environment, will provide the perfect candidate to solve his problem. Maria played by Tricia Erickson is a less than obedient nun with a rather free spirit, she is sent to the Von Trapp home.
Though the first days are filled with struggle and chaos, ultimately her presence fills the home with music, happiness, and love. These things certainly are needed because the year is 1938 and war with Germany looms over all of Austria, bringing unforeseen change for the Von Trapp’s.
The Von Trapp children were played by: Dory Peacock, Bryson Weaver, Elise DeBry, Landon Barnett, Nancy Dawes, Aspen Bloomer and Corbin Bloomer. The Captain’s friends Max Detweiler and the Baroness Elsa Schaeder were played by Ben Partis and Kaylee Van Wagoner. There were nuns, postulants, house servants, and German officers/soldiers played by various county people.
The director was Neal Peacock and co-director Laurie Pitchforth planned some lively changes for this production. A live orchestra was on stage along with pianists Marilee Cox and her daughter Marissa. The audience sang every song right along with the cast for a unique and enjoyable production.