CVHS To Present "The Sound Of Music"
When Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) musical director V. Gabriel Whitman chose the 2022 spring show for the school, he had one thought in mind. "I wanted a classic," said Whitman of the Rodgers and Hammerstein tale that features the well-known songs "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," and "Do Re Mi."
CVHS will present "The Sound of Music" in the school auditorium, 2110 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, on Thursday, March 31; Friday, April 1; and Saturday, April 2, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, April 3, at 2 p.m. A free preview will be given on Wednesday, March 30 at 6 p.m. for Conestoga Valley-area senior citizens who present special cards. Senior citizens who wish to obtain cards may call 717-397-5231.
"The Sound of Music" follows a young postulant named Maria, played by Paige Harris, who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, played by William Roland, and brings music and joy to the household. As the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the von Trapp family face a moral decision. The cast also features Cora Glacken as the Mother Abbess, Jenna Rychener as Liesl, Conner Nafziger as Rolf, Chris Needham as Max Detweiler, and Alison Harner as Elsa Schraeder. The other members of the von Trapp family are played by Maya Harner, Lee Shiffer, Samantha Rodwanski, Liam Hengst, Clementine Johnson, and Layna Morrie. The show, which is known for songs such as "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" and the title number, "The Sound of Music" earned five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The original story is based on "The Trapp Family Singers" by Maria Augusta Trapp.
Whitman noted that issues inherent in staging a high school production of the show include directing students to play younger characters. "It's hard for them to play a younger kid," he said. "They are playing three or four years younger than they are, and that is more of a challenge."
"The Sound of Music" is unusual among similar shows because it has few ensemble songs. Whitman noted that the production added the song "I Have Confidence" as an ensemble piece to enhance the action for the 40-member cast. He also added a few younger players. "The kids love it," Whitman said. "They are having fun."
Whitman noted that the size of the set will be larger this year to accommodate the 30 pit musicians. "Last year, with 'Grease,' we had only a small pit, but with 'The Sound of Music,' everyone wanted to join in," he said.
Overall, Whitman said he hopes the show will bring joy to audience members. "For the most part, it is a really feel-good show," he said. "It has lots of fun moments, and the ending is hopeful."
Tickets for all performances are available at http://www.showtix4u.com by searching for "Conestoga Valley High School."
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