TOM TITUS -- Theater Review

Who among us is not enamored of “The Sound of Music,” the final

collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II?

It’s a love story based on actual events, set against the Nazi

invasion of Austria, with a collection of lovable youngsters as icing on

the cake. Thus, even a softer, somewhat uneven version will take its

audience at least halfway up a mountain that the Mother Abbess urges her

erstwhile postulate to climb. That version is essentially what is

currently being offered at the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse.

In this “season of the musical,” the overall luster of the theater’s

last two productions, “Gypsy” and “Bye Bye Birdie,” somehow is missing

with “The Sound of Music.” Yet a competent cast continues to entertain

and, occasionally, touch the heart strings.

Probably the weakest element of the show is the lack of superlative

voices. Deborah Bushman’s Maria has a pleasing set of pipes, but neither

John Warner’s Captain Von Trapp nor Tanya Gallo’s Mother Abbess is

capable of stirring an audience vocally. The finest voice in the show

belongs to a supporting actress, Dyan Hobday-Brant as the baroness who

nearly weds the Austrian captain.

Bushman is a radiant Maria, grappling convincingly with her inner

conflict between pursuing a religious life or a romantic one. Her

relationship with the children is especially well presented, and the

pivotal scene in which she and Von Trapp declare their love is splendidly

enacted.

Warner, appearing far too young to have fathered seven children,

delivers a mild performance, never really stern enough to approximate the

martinet he should be in the opening, nor steadfast enough to register

his defiance of the Nazi regime. He is at his best in the softer moments

with Maria and the children.

What the diminutive Gallo lacks in vocal power, she compensates for in

dramatic ability, imbuing the Mother Abbess with estimable concern and a

caring heart. Of the other nuns, Yvonne Houssels stands out as the giggly

Sister Sophia and Mary Pat Gonzalez is convincing as the sympathetic

Sister Margaretta.

The Von Trapp children are the heart of the show, splendidly

choreographed by Kerri Vickers in their several showcase numbers.

Stephanie Bently’s glowing Liesl is a delight, while Rachel Reinert’s

precocious Brigitta and little Emma Dergerstedt’s angelic Gretl are

standouts among a brood that includes Ryan Bean, Rachel Furman, David

Miller and Amanda Lamb.

Kenny Jagosz, as the impresario who finagles to get the children into

a music festival, loses much of his effect with superfluous gesturing.

More attention to the comic relief of his dialogue is required.

Hobday-Brant delivers a fine baroness, armed with the aforementioned

superior vocal strength. The house servants are well presented by Marie

Nussle and Tony Grande, doubling as a nun and a German admiral,

respectively. Marc Davila has some strong moments as Liesl’s messenger

boyfriend Rolf, while director Damien Lorton gets into the act as the

unbilled priest at the wedding.

For budgetary reasons, this “Sound of Music” basically is a one-set

show, with the Von Trapp living room functioning as both the bedroom for

the “Lonely Goatherd” number and the wedding scene.

Even in a lower key, “The Sound of Music” is a charming evergreen, a

pleasing package of family entertainment for the holiday season.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Thursdays and Saturdays.

FYI

* WHAT: “The Sound of Music”

* WHERE: Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse, 611 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa

* WHEN: Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.,

until Dec. 17 * COST: $15

* CALL: (949) 650-5269