San Diego veteran directors and choreographers Bonnie and Don Ward helm this production – unusual in that it’s not a show with prominent dance numbers. The Lonely Goatherd, in which the seven von Trapp children put on an elaborate marionette show, gives a taste of their choreography prowess. Otherwise the show is focused on the characters and songs. And in that respect the Wards present a rather somber tone, downplaying the humor and focusing on the show’s drama.

Beverly Ward stars as Maria Rainer, a nun in training whose love of song and absentmindedness keeps getting her in trouble at the abbey. Before taking the vows, the Mother Abbess (Victoria Strong) sends her to the home of the widowed Captain von Trapp to be a governess for his seven children – a family deeply in need of a spark to rekindle their lives.

Beverly provides that spark with her fine voice and enthusiasm. At times that enthusiasm seems forced, but she has a great embarrassed laugh that she uses often and at just the right moments. Randall Dodge, who shined in comedic roles at Moonlight last summer, keeps the mood serious as the widower who has lost touch with his children and his heart until Maria begins to open his eyes. His rich baritone is a plus. The seven children have great rapport and make the family bonds seem genuine, while also lighting up their musical numbers. Dimitri Christy is Max Detweiler, the amusingly spineless and spongey friend of the captain, and Jillian Frost is Elsa Schraeder, the captain’s amusingly manipulative love interest. Victoria Strong ends both acts with her remarkably powerful singing of Climb Ev’ry Mountain.

Performance Dates: July 19 to August 6, 2006

Rob Hopper
San Diego Playbill

Maria Rainer: