The Buena Drama Department is alive with the newest spring musical production, Disney’s “The Sound of Music.” From April 24 to May 3, audience members filed outside Buena’s auditorium, eager to see Buena students reimagine a childhood classic.
The musical is set in World War Two era Europe, where the Von Trapp family lives in their massive estate nestled into the rolling hills of Austria. The story follows two plot lines: the love story of two main characters and the Von Trapp’s family struggle to escape the looming German invasion.
“[This play] is strangely relevant at times,” director and drama teacher Molly Ensminger said. “I thought it was a good time to revive it so people could [learn from it] and see the beauty of it.”
The curtains draw, introducing Maria, junior Nairi Nahabedian, a rebellious soon-to-be nun who loves singing and laughter and Captain Von Trapp played by junior Nicholas Faught, a strict, war-hero father who stands up for what he believes in. Captain Von Trapp’s children, desperate for their father’s fleeting affection, drive away their nannies to capture his attention.
Annoyed with her constant singing and tardiness, the nuns send Maria off to be the next Von Trapp nanny, where she is met with seven children, four of whom were played by elementary school students, and quickly teaches them the power of music.
The musical features an abundance of classic songs, but in difficult keys. Choir Director Kevin Downey helped conduct and orchestrate the harmonies, making songs like “The Sound of Music” and “My Favorite Things” sound almost identical to the original.
“I learned so many different types of singing, like yodeling [to play the role],” Nahabedian said.
While the children learn the importance of song and happiness in times of hardship, Captain Von Trapp slowly remembers his love of music too, and begins to garner feelings for Maria. Faught, a first year drama student who was originally set to play one of the Von Trapp children, was brought up to play Captain Von Trapp due to scheduling conflicts with the originally cast Captain.
“I was originally preparing to play a 14 year old, so when I was informed that I would be recast as the male lead, [I had to adjust] to an entirely different character,” Faught said.
Unique for a high school production, Buena’s stagecraft program constructed ten different sets and multiple unique props to further immerse the audience in the scene. Most notably acclaimed was the main hall in the Von Trapp house, Maria’s bedroom, the Von Trapp’s terrace and a separate space on the stage for Mother Abbess’ office, complete with its own stained glass window. Back in the Von Trapp house, Maria and Captain Von Trapp were married, but that was not the end of their challenges.
As German reign crept closer to Austria, Captain Von Trapp was forced to make a heavy decision to either serve the Nazis in war or attempt to escape with his family.
Choosing to resist German forces, the Von Trapp family stayed together and created a plan to escape through the hills. Through it all, the Von Trapp family remained optimistic and stuck to what they believed.
“I hope that people take away that there’s beauty in a lot of tragedies, and it’s important to find the light in all situations,” Faught said.
Overall, the musical was a hit, filling almost every seat in the auditorium for all six performances. Seniors cried and hugged each other, proud of such an amazing last production.
“Everyone put their blood, sweat and tears into this,” Faught said. “I don’t think that [the play] could’ve come out any better.”
