Letter: The Sound of Music performance was a night to remember
Hello, my name is Donna Mayfield, and I live in Bishop, CA. I was in town for this production, and I’d like to submit a review for the Sound of Music play that I attended on opening night, Nov. 14, 2025:
– It was chilly on opening Friday night as I walked up the steps of the vintage Christian Life Center church. I looked up and saw how the light illuminated the darkness through the stained-glass windows depicting The Good Shepherd, Jesus, and I thought: “How enchanting. This is the most perfect place for this play.”
The Sound of Music. A timeless classic that holds a nostalgic place in the heart. Many of us were introduced to this gem as children and you truly never forget it. From the opening scene when the nuns enter the dimly lit “Nonnberg Abbey,” surrounded by candles, and they begin to sing beautiful melodies in Latin, you can tell this is going to be something very special. You’re drawn in. Mesmerizing. Then, we were dazzled by the echoing voice of a nightingale, that we could not yet see. The stunning Maria enters from behind us, along the aisle, up to the stage, twirling upon imaginary green hills and through trees, surrounded by a lovely backdrop of the Austrian Alps…her voice soaring with “the hills are alive with the sound of music!”
What a treat this play was! I loved the way it stuck to the flow of the original movie but also added some creative additions. Every cadence, harmonization and nuance of the singing was just incredible. The audience sang along in our minds and hearts, especially to “Do-Re-Mi” and “Favorite Things”, smiling and remembering all these lyrics from childhood. I must say, I was absolutely spellbound. And so impressed by these extraordinary young peoples’ apparent hard work and craft that shone through.
The Von Trapp children were flawless. The professionalism, charm of the “Old Country” and comedy of this play and of each performer was a joy to watch! The chemistry between Captain Von Trapp and Maria was darling. Maria’s British accent and the other actors’ Austrian and German accents were on target. All the special touches were great…and noticed…right down to Captain Von Trapp’s and Max’s grayed sides of their hair, to “age” them!
I’d like to make mention of the imagination and excitement that the audience interaction and participation added. “All rise”, the bishop declared at the beginning of the wedding ceremony. Oh, and that wedding dress! And the veil lift. We romantics were in tears, without a doubt. Didn’t it feel like we were at a REAL wedding? I literally was ready to start throwing rice as the couple departed! Another great interaction were the Nazi soldiers yelling, searching the darkened audience aisles with flashlights, as the Von Trapps hid behind the gravestones. That was fabulous and made it an experience beyond the stage. These dimensions made the play come to life even more.
I’d like to give high praise to Vikky, the Director of Applause Children’s Theater for choosing this historic and true story that is beloved. She definitely made sure it was presented in an honest, respectful way with such relevance to today. She brought endearment for this story to our youth, who were seeing it for the first time, as well as fond memories of it, to my older generation. In a modern society, where much history is fading and being forgotten, this is a musical drama that must be shown. A story that must be told. It’s important that all who saw it be inspired- (and reminded) to always arise in courage.
It takes strength and often, sacrifices, to stand for freedom and for what is good and right. Thank you to all the cast, crew, and directors for sharing your skills, gifts and excellent talent with the community. From beginning to end, we completely LOVED your three outstanding performances of The Sound of Music. It was a delight that celebrated song, music, children, laughter, bravery, and the power of love! BRAVO!
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