google.com, pub-8087192757053655, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 Director Jewels: The Sound of Music at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre July 25-31 {Review}

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

The Sound of Music at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre July 25-31 {Review}

Disclosure: I received press passes to attend this event. No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.


The hills are alive....and so on. Chances are, you're familiar with the story and songs of one of the most popular musicals of all time: The Sound of Music. A huge number of people again proved that this show is a lasting classic when it aired on NBC Live last year. I have been a fan of theatre most of my life, but had never had the chance to see a professional, live production of this show in person until a couple weeks ago. And I'm so glad that I did.


We have been to Starlight Theatre in Kansas City three other times this summer: for The Wizard of Oz, We Will Rock You, and our favorite of the season: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I was curious to see how would live up to the prior shows.


Starlight creates the perfect atmosphere for a summer date night, and we really enjoyed our final night under the stars this summer. 

Photo by Bob Compton Photography provided Courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

The beautiful swell of the overture from the orchestra combined with glorious weather in July set the tone for a gorgeous evening. We were treated right from the start to the beautiful vocals of Analisa Leaming in the classic title number that had several audience members singing (or at the very least, humming) right along.
 

Photo by Bob Compton Photography provided Courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the children of Captain Von Trapp stole the show most of the night! The audience especially enjoyed the antics of Gretel (played by Delilah Rose Pellow). Her Lonely Goatherd solo was adorable.

Photo by Bob Compton Photography provided Courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

It's always fun to see a production that features local actors, especially when you recognize them! We last saw Seth Jones in Schoolhouse Rock Live! at the Coterie Theatre a few months ago. His accent was very strong, even while singing - which is not an easy thing to accomplish.

The number of Kansas City natives in the cast was delightful! Shout out to all of you actors and actresses who share this wonderful hometown. It's such a great place to be!

Photo by Bob Compton Photography provided Courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

I was blown away by the combined voices of the nuns of Nonnberg Abbey, and was so pleased when I read that they were actually local as well: the Kansas City Women's Chorus. It's now a dream role to just sing in the chorus of The Sound of Music someday, because these ladies all proved that this music has some beautiful harmonies.  It must have been so much fun for them!

Photo by Bob Compton Photography provided Courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

The costumes in this production were wonderful. I've costumed for community theatre and my own student productions many times in the last ten years, and after music/vocals, the thing that drags a production straight into the mud for me is a lack of period-accurate costumes. KC Costume Company hit the costumes out of the park with this show. They were appropriately colored, flattering, and all-around beautiful. Most importantly: none of the clothing worn onstage served as a distraction from the production; rather, all of the pieces embellished the overall character and feel of the show. Just as it should be. Jumping off my costuming soap box now - I just feel it's an often overlooked element of a show and I was just thrilled with how this one came together in the finished product.


Photo by Bob Compton Photography provided Courtesy of Starlight Theatre.

I enjoyed every show at Starlight this season and I'm not sure I can pick a favorite - but this was definitely in my top two. I wish Starlight shows played more than just a week so that there is more time to spread the word when an awesome show like this one comes around! Just goes to prove that it's worth taking a chance on live theatre - and at Starlight, you're bound to have a magical night regardless of the show.

I love Starlight and hope to spend many, many more nights out under the starry sky. When we sang the National Anthem before the show began, the man in front of us turned around and asked me why I was not up on the stage instead of watching the show. It would be a dream to sing on that stage! So, KC Starlight - where do I send my resume? I come with a big smile, a kind of quirky personality and a couple of wild, rambunctious toddlers. That's totally what you're looking for in an actress, right? Wink.

Thanks to Starlight Theatre for providing my tickets to the show. I received no other compensation and all views expressed are my own. For more information, you can read my Disclosure Policy.

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