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 Ski Hill Amphitheater
SYNOPSIS
The story of The Sound of Music is based loosely on
the true story of Maria Rainer and the von Trapp family. It
takes place in Salzburg, Austria, during the last golden years
of the 1930's before World War II devastated Europe. Maria begins
as a postulant at the Abbey, but the Mother Abbess doubts Maria’s
readiness for the novitiate and instead sends her to Captain
Georg Von Trapp to act as governess for his seven children. Since
his wife passed away some years earlier, Captain Von Trapp has
become withdrawn and embittered, and his children have been raised
by a string of governesses, none of whom could cope with the
demanding task. The children eventually succumb to Maria's charms,
her heartfelt ways, and especially her love of music. Captain
Von Trapp returns from Vienna with the sophisticated, wealthy
Elsa Schrader, whom he intends to marry. However, during
a very eventful dinner party it becomes clear that the Captain
and Maria have romantic feelings for one another. Confused by
these emotions, Maria flees to the Abbey. There the Mother
Abbess instructs Maria to return to the Von Trapp house and find
the path that God has chosen for her. Maria and the Captain
come to realize their love for one another and they marry. Upon
returning from their honeymoon, they discover that Austria has
been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain's immediate
service in their navy. The play ends as the family narrowly escapes
over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II.
The story is one of courage, the power of music and love, and
the restoration of faith. It's a heart-warming tale of family
values that appeals to people of all ages. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
most beloved show is full of wonderful and familiar songs. The
love of music is an important theme, as exemplified by Maria
in the title song, as well as by the children in songs like Do
Re Mi, My Favorite Things, and So
Long Farewell. The love of a man and a woman is celebrated
in the song Something Good and songs like Confidence and Climb
Every Mountain inspire us all to face life with courage
and compassion.
SEXUAL CONTENT/MATURE THEMES
While the Captain and Maria’s story is one of attraction
and worldly love, The Sound of Music is a show free of
innuendo or inference to sexual matters. The children’s mother
has died prior to the action of the play, and the Captain’s
loneliness and the Baroness’ desire to wed the Captain are
the only mature themes explored, other than the ethical dilemma
presented by the Nazi invasion.
LANGUAGE
There is no “off-color” language in The Sound
of Music.
DRUGS/ALCOHOL
Champagne is seemingly served at a party to the adult guests. Drunkenness
is never depicted and there are no other references to drugs or
alcohol.
VIOLENCE/SCARINESS
1938 was a scary time in Europe. This very real and factually based
story of the Nazi occupation of Austria permeates Act II. Actors
dressed as Nazi soldiers appear at the concert scene and in the
dark scene that follows as they search for the hiding Von Trapp
family in the Abbey. This and the music and sound effects played
for a short stint could be scary to young children. A gun is brandished
in the same scene, but there is no overt violence in the show.
© 2008 Leavenworth
Summer Theater |
