THEATRE REVIEW: "The Sound of Music" at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (Chicago, IL)

     In June of 2016, I saw a performancence of the Richard Rodgers/ Oscar Hammerstein II / Howard Lindsay / Russel Crouse musical "The Sound of Music."  The.new touring production was in Chicago for a two-week run (June 7th through 19th, 2016).  This was my first time seeing the musical.  I hadn't even seen the movie before. I also hadn't seen "The Sound of Music Live!" Which aired on NBC in 2013.  Well, I saw parts of it.  






     The cast of this production included Kerstin Anderson (Maria), Melody Betts (Mother Abbess), Iris Davies (Brigitta), Ben Davis (Von Trapp), Paige Silvester (Leisl), Teri Hansen (Elsa Schraeder), and Merwin Ford (Max).  This was a very talented cast.  I was especially blown away by the renditions of  "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" sung by Melody Betts.  Douglas W. Schmidt was the scenic designer for this production.




     "The Sound of Music" made its Chicago Premiere at the Shubert Theatre (now called the CIBC Theatre), where it performed from November 14th, 1961 through November 10th, 1962.  In the Chicago Premiere Production, Florence Henderson played the role of Maria.  Jack Collins and Beatrice Krebs also starred in that production.  
     To be honest, I was not expecting much from this production.  However, as I was watching it, I was impressed by the acting, singing, and the lavish scenic design.  It was easy to forget that this production was a National Tour.  As far as the scenic design goes, the final scene was the most incredible, as was the interior of The Von Trapp house when the staircase was part of the scene.  I know, it sounds like I am describing the production design of "Sunset Boulevard."  I am aware of the similarities.  








    To this day, I have never seen the film version of "The Sound of Music."  At least, I haven't seen the movie in its entirety.  I've seen parodies of it, and comedic references to it in films and on TV shows... but the movie itself just wasn't something we watched in our house when I was a kid or growing up.  That might be strange, but I'm glad I didn't see the film before seeing it on stage.  Then again, I don't see why it really matters.  But I think it's about time I see the movie.  







     








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