Top Picks • Top Picks for Huntsville

Related Resources • Huntsville From A to Z • Theatre Reviews • Madison Community Chorus

With a cast of 55, orchestra of 30, and crew of 15, Madison Community Chorus has launched a spectacular performance of the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, "The Sound of Music."  We all know the story of the von Trapp family and their escape from Austria during Hitler's rise to power and the romantic story woven in between this background--the Catholic nun who falls in love with the widow with seven children.  The music is important in and throughout this play, which is a love song to the sound of music in our lives.

The stage certainly comes alive with 32 nuns and assorted actors of all shapes, sizes and ages.  This production, directed by Michael Gimenez and assisted by Ryan Roddy, is a true joy to see.  Both do a superb job with such a large cast. The voices are outstanding!  Gianna Gimenez is Music Director for the show. 

Scene changes were rapid and flawless, something that is annoying when not done well in a production.  Phillip Lee, Stage Manager and Jim Daniel, Technical Director are to be applauded.  The choreography directed by Shawn Thomas is great and doesn't seem stilted at all. 

Of course, the Von Trapp children are adorable; in fact, the youngest one, Gretl, portrayed by Travis (yes, a girl named Travis!) Roddy, steals the show in a couple of places.  The other children are just as adorable and talented:  Holly Dale (Liesl), Wyatt Eppinett (Friedrich), Carrie Daniel (Louisa), Emily Edwards (Brigitta), Cole Lindsay (Kurt) and Madison Shaw (Marta).

Tina Wassell does an excellent job as Maria and carries the play very well.  We don't even miss Julie Andrews in this version of "The Sound of Music."  Jon Noels is Captain George von Trapp and brings the character alive with his stern demeanor and wonderful voice.

Other cast members include Ellen Williams as Mother Abbess, Dale Worley as Max Detweiler (and an outstanding performance!) and Christian S. Gunner as Elsa Schraeder, a woman you'll love to hate.

Reuben James portrayed Rolf Grubers, Franz was played by Jonathan Mittaz, Frau Schmidt by Kathy Riggs, Ursula by Linda Zutter and Herr and Frau Zeller by Charles Roberts and Terry Duke.  Baron and Baroness Elberfled were Robert James and Sommer Klein and Admiral von Schreiber was Jim Pullen.  Nazi Youth was Joshua Cobb and Adam Gimenez.

Some of the nuns include Ramona Kreipe as Mister Berthe, Ginger Simard as Sister Margaretta, and Heather Batchelor as Sister Sophia with Erin Akery, Amy Baker, Rachel Bruckner, Laura Bowles, Liesel Burks, Daisy Carpenter, Katie Cauthen, Rose Cousart, Hannah Crumrine, Emily Duke, Kate Johnson, Danielle Hurst, Judy Isenberg, Cassie James, Sommer Klein, Sara Kreipe, Betsy London, Helen Long, Laura Macedonia, and Harper Niedermeyer. 

Also portraying a nun were Anna Olson, Sarah Perrin, Laura Peterson, Christy Rodgers, Rebecca Royster, Allison Smith, Anna Smith, Angelica Stephenson, Ester Stephenson, Anna Thornberry, Maddie Wade, Carol Wisdom, and Linda Zutter.

Party guests included Matt Cantor, Joshua Cobb, Emily Duke, Elizabeth Gillespie, Adam Gimenez, Christopher Gunner, Judy Isenberg, Ben Perrin, Jim Pullen, Mike Rawls, Esther Stephenson, Brian and Carol Wisdom.

This is a wonderful family show brimming with talent, excitement and enthusiasm.  Madison Community Chorus is just getting better and better with each new performance.  Don't miss this one through March 8, 2003 in Madison.

©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com
Photo ©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com