BEACON FALLS — The auditorium at Woodland Regional High School will soon be alive with the sound of music.
The Woodland Drama Club will present three showings of the classic musical “The Sound of Music” next weekend. The show opens Dec 11 at 7 p.m. followed by two showings on Dec. 12, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m.
The musical, which is set in Austria in 1938, follows the story of Captain Von Trapp, a widower, his children, and the newly hired governess Maria.
“It’s two different stories. There is the love story between Captain Von Trapp and Maria and then there’s the story of the Nazis come into Austria and them trying to fight that while maintaining their dignity. It has some pretty deep themes,” senior Patrick Vogel, who plays Captain Von Trapp, said.
Senior Sarah McVeigh, who plays Maria, said the cast and crew are passionate about putting on a good show.
“Rehearsals are going fantastic. Everyone is so dedicated. It’s so amazing because you can’t find that everywhere. Everyone is so passionate about what we are doing that it’s a lot easier to get things done,” McVeigh said.
Senior David Jonikas, who is the stage manager and the president of the drama club, said it’s exciting to watch the production come together and veteran club members help new members grow.
“Overall, I believe the show is going to be amazing,” he said.
The number of students involved in the drama club has grown from about 25 two years ago to over 60 with the production of “The Sound of Music,” according to director Sue Cinoman said.
“We have some amazing singers. Some new performers we have never worked with before. They’ve just come into it, started singing, and they are phenomenal,” Cinoman said.
Cinoman said people have begun to look to Woodland as a school that revives classical musicals.
“I think we are becoming well-known as a school that brings back classics and little-known productions. It’s been a long time since people have seen ‘The Sound of Music’ in schools. They are going to see something they don’t see every day, yet they are familiar with because it’s part of their past,” Cinoman said.
Aside from the classic nature of the musical, Cinoman said people should come see the play because of the “wonderful, committed, and talented performers doing it.”
“In this show, I can guarantee people are going to see topnotch singing,” she said.
McVeigh said the show comes out just in time for the holiday season and is perfect for all ages.
“Someone would want to come to see this play because it is great not only for the holidays, it’s a great thing to bring families together. It has a great story and it is actually a true story. It’s a classic. It’s really great for all age ranges,” McVeigh said.
Tickets for the show are $10. Tickets are available at the door or can be reserved by emailing DaveJonikas@gmail.com.
I had the pleasure of attending the matinee performance on Saturday, and can attest to the amazing performances by the entire cast, crew, and orchestra. Very well done to all involved in this wonderful production!
Looking forward to the show and reliving a great experience as I played Kurt in the 1967 Naugatuck High School performance of this play. “Break a leg” Woodland Drama club!