Classic Musical Graces the Baldwin’s Stage

Stagecrafters doesn’t repeat their productions very often with the exception of the classics such as The Sound of Music. Although Stagecrafters has mounted this beloved musical twice prior in their 56-year-history (1981, 1992), this latest production will have audiences marveling at the incredible set, period costumes, choral voices and the use of the Baldwin Theatre’s Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. 

The show is the creation of Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, and is based on "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" by Maria Augusta Trapp. Popular with audiences around the world, the show runs May 31 – June 23, 2013, at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in downtown Royal Oak. 

The story is set in Salzburg, Austria, just prior to World War II. The nuns of Nonnberg Abbey are gathered together to sing except for one young postulant, Maria Rainer (Sara Rydzewski of Livonia) who has lost track of time while singing on a nearby mountainside. When Maria explains her absence, the Mother Abbess (Donna Edwards of Clawson) tells her that she should spend some time outside the abbey to decide if this monastic life is right for her. She has been assigned to act as a governess to the seven children of widower Captain Georg von Trapp (Mark Jewett of Sterling Heights).

When Maria arrives at the elaborate villa, she is given her duties by the Captain and meets all of the children in a very militaristic manner. While the Captain is away on duty, Maria and the children bond. When he returns, he is accompanied by with his fiancée Elsa (Caryn Leonard of Pleasant Ridge) and his friend Max (John Nowaczyk of Ferndale). From here the storyline blossoms when love interests are uncovered and the pre-war tensions heat up.

Audiences of all ages will enjoy the timeless songs which have become so familiar such as “Edelweiss,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and the title song “The Sound of Music.”

Director Randy Wrisinger of Huntington Woods has a deep-rooted fondness for this musical, calling it one of his “all-time favorites.” This is his second time directing the show, the first being at a small community theatre in Missouri, and he once played the role of the Captain. “What makes this show so unique is the bonding of the children. From the first rehearsal, they have treated each other like family and that will shine through for the audiences to see,” says Wrisinger. He has also doubled the number of cast in the nuns chorus for a fuller sound and will be using the Baldwin’s theatre organ during the wedding scene. “Audiences are going to be amazed at the incredible set design by Drew Hall and costumes by Doris Boris. I hope they all leave the show humming the tunes and remember the line, ‘when the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window,’ says Wrisinger.

The show first opened on Broadway in November 1959 and has enjoyed numerous revivals around the world. It was adapted for the 1965 film musical starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, which received five Academy Awards.

Stagecrafters is hosting a special Bavarian-themed fundraiser prior to the show’s opening. “The Sounds and Tastes of Music” will be held on Wednesday, May 29^th with the doors opening at 6:45 pm. German foods by The Dakota Inn Rathskeller, Austrian music by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, a diamond earring raffle, german libations, and the preview performance of “The Sound of Music” are all included in the ticket price of $30 general reserved seating or $40 VIP reserved seating. All proceeds will benefit Stagecrafters’ programming. 

A special sing-along performance will be held on Saturday, June 15th at 2 pm. Audience members will be given song sheets to accompany the cast on select songs, and they are encouraged to come in costume.

Advance tickets for performances are $18 on Thursdays, $20 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  Patrons attending the opening night performance, May 31st, are invited to a 7 pm pre-glow of complimentary light hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Student, military and senior discounts are available for specific performances.  Tickets may be purchased online at stagecrafters.org(online handling fees apply) or by phone at 248-541-6430 using Visa or MasterCard. All seats are reserved.  If shows have not sold out, tickets can be purchased at the box office one hour prior to the performance for an additional $2.00 per ticket.

Show dates and times follow:

• Friday, May 31 8 p.m.  
• Saturday, June 1, 8 p.m.  
• Sunday, June 2, 2 p.m.  
• Thursday, June 6, 8 p.m.  
• Friday, June 7, 8 p.m.  
• Saturday, June 8,,8 p.m.  
• Sunday, June 9, 2 p.m.  
• Thursday, June 13, 8 p.m.
• Friday, June 14, 8 p.m.
• Saturday, June 15, 2 & 8 p.m.
• Sunday, June 16, 2 p.m.
• Friday, June 21, 8 p.m.
• Saturday, June 22, 8 p.m.
• Sunday, June 23 2 p.m.