Newark Academy’s production of the “Sound of Music” sang and danced its way into the hearts of the packed auditorium’s audience. The production, featuring a stellar pit band and stage crew, took place on March 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th. The actors showed not only a remarkable display of talent (both vocally and theatrically), but they also demonstrated the perseverance that it takes to put on a highly successful show for three nights in a row.

The classic musical starred Alix Mann ’11 as Maria, a spirited young woman whose ability to give up music is as impossible as “catching a cloud and pinning it down.” Mann ’11 did a dazzling job portraying the chirpy, upbeat Maria, whose charming voice captures the heart of Captain Von Trapp, played by Will Geyer ’11. Sent to work as a governess for the Von Trapp family after proving too unruly for the abbey she belonged to, Maria faces her first challenge: becoming close with the seven Von Trap children, especially the know-it-all Brigitta (Caleigh Molner ‘16) and stubborn Liesl (Anna Tyshkov ’13). After teaching the children (who had never sang or played before in the strict captain’s household) the familiar tune of “Doe a Deer,” and helping Liesl navigate her way through a teenage romance with a German messenger, Rolf (played by TJ Lutz ’12), Maria becomes a mother figure to the children.

The Captain meanwhile has plans to marry the Baroness, an aristocrat whose distaste for Maria is quite apparent, played with vigor by Jourdan McGhee ’11. Much to the Baroness’s dismay, there is undeniable chemistry between Maria and Captain Von Trapp, as the duo delivers a rendition of “The Hills are Alive” in perfect harmony.  Maria, afraid of her love for the Captain, runs away to avoid her fears.  Yet after sound advice from Mother Abbess, played by Bethany McHugh ’11, Maria returns to proclaim her love for the Captain, and the two plan to get married (decided in song, of course).

This moment of bliss does not last for long however, as Captain Von Trapp is commissioned to work for Hitler’s navy, a job that would cause him to betray his dear mother country. As suggested by the conniving Max Detweiler, played by Jake Zack ’11, the Von Trapp family performs at a talent show despite their dire predicament. Unknown to the audience, the performance is an escape plot, as it buys the family enough time to narrowly flee their home, escape the Nazi army, and find their happily ever after in the hills – blissfully together in the wilderness with the sound of music.

The show was a resounding success, earning a standing ovation in the Friday night performance. When asked what she thought of the play, one audience member, Carly McMahon ’13 said, “I thought that the casting for the play was really good. For the most part, I thought that the students stepped up to the plate.” Mr. Caldwell added, “The music and singing were phenomenal. My daughter’s heroine is now Alix Mann!” The musical was a learning experience for the actors as well, including Bethany McHugh ’11 who reflected, “It was great to be able to take on a leadership role and realize how far I’ve come from freshmen to senior year.”  

For others, the musical was a new world altogether. “It was a really new and different experience. Even though I didn’t have a big role, I really felt like a part of the production and I had a ton of fun with the cast,” says first time addition to the cast, Nicole Blank ’11. The musical was also a great chance to bridge the gap between upper and middle schoolers. Andrei Buna ’15, a member of the pit band, says, “I made a lot of friends in the higher grades and I got to know my current friends better.”

The show was great entertainment, and demonstrative of the broad success that hard work and diligence can bring.  The NA community lauds the effort and dedication of all members of the production for putting together a show that truly inspires us to “climb every mountain and ford every stream.”