Wednesday, June 12, 2002
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Wednesday, June 12, 2002 |
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Director and cast put final touches on 'The Sound of Music'
It is quite a job to control a cast and crew of over 70 people but director David Spearman is up to the challenge. Spearman, along with musical director Millie Turek and choreographer Jonsie Pollock, is bringing the classic musical "The Sound of Music" to the stage for Fayette Players and Community Theatre starting June 20. "The Sound of Music" focuses on the Von Trapp Family, which includes widower Captain Von Trapp and his seven children. Fourteen local children will share the roles of the Von Trapp children and will alternate performances during the four week run at Starr's Mill's Willie Duke Auditorium. "We chose to double cast because it is summer and a musical is an awfully large commitment for children," said Spearman. "We knew we made the right choice when over 90 children auditioned for the show." As for the children who have been selected, Spearman is very impressed with the quality of their performances and the effort they are giving at rehearsals. He has also been surprised by the wealth of talent filling the other roles in the play and the amazing voices that many in the cast have, including that of Michelle Witmer who is playing the role of Maria. Witmer is a University of Georgia graduate who recently sang the national anthem at commencement ceremonies. Spearman has directed several musicals in his career, including Starr's Mill's recent production of "South Pacific." In fact, auditions for "The Sound of Music" started the day after the set for "South Pacific" was struck. Other musicals that Spearman has helmed are "Bye, Bye Birdie," "Grease," and "Anything Goes." Spearman likes "The Sound of Music" not only because it is a classic and has a wide appeal but because it has a wonderful message. "One of my favorite parts of the show is when Mother Abbess sings 'Climb Every Mountain'," said Spearman. "That is really the theme of the show. Find in your heart what truly makes you happy and follow it." Fayette Players and Community Theatre Inc.'s production of "The Sound of Music" will be quite elaborate. There are 17 scene changes and the locales in the show are constantly changing. The music is also a large undertaking. Though there won't be an actual orchestra in the pit, Turek is creating her own virtual orchestra of the score and is adding a new instrument to it each night after rehearsal. "If you ask people to name a musical "The Sound of Music' is one of the first ones people come up with," Spearman said. "Audiences are very familiar with it because of the popular movie and often sing along with the show." Spearman does warn that there are differences between the movie and the musical. "There are songs in the musical that are not in the movie and vice versa. Also, audiences get to know some of the characters better in the stage version." "The Sound of Music" will premiere at Starr's Mill on Thursday, June 20 and will run June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, and July 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13. Showtimes on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays is at 7:30 p.m. and at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Advance tickets are on sale now at the Peachtree City and Fayetteville libraries. Phone 770-631-8568 for more information or to reserve tickets.
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