Reviews: The Sound of Music at Westfield HS
Written by Aiden Brennan of Woodson High School
As church bells tolled and the nuns began their chant, Westfield High School's The Sound of Music transported the audience to Austria, 1938. The dusty interior of the church soon gave way to rolling green hills, and a beautiful story of love, music, and justice began.
The Sound of Music is the last work of the legendary musical duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, and premiered on Broadway in 1959, winning five Tony awards. It was followed by an iconic film release in 1965. The musical is based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers, and centers around Maria, a young woman training to be a nun who is sent to be a governess for the von Trapp family. She introduces music to the children and eventually falls in love with and marries their father, the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp. Maria and the von Trapps struggle to overcome both their own internal sadness and the looming threat of the Nazis.
Captivating the audience as she took her first carefree steps on stage, Lilli McNerney as Maria brought warmth and love to every moment of the show. As she twirled and sang the eponymous opening number, her gentle vibrato and crisp vocals invited the listener to find joy in the music of the world. McNerney showed Maria's caring, maternal side in her interactions with the von Trapp children (Jackie Larson, Levi Funk, Kiera McCrea, Ben McNerney, Langlen Heisnam, Mary Cambell, Nadine Khandker), which she contrasted with Maria's internal guilt as she found herself falling for Captain von Trapp, portrayed by Peter Dalton. Dalton and McNerney had remarkable chemistry as Maria and Georg's relationship changed from a series of awkward and flustered interactions to a beautiful, loving relationship.
Scarlett Anthony and TJ Brescia delighted as the comedic duo of Elsa Schraeder and Max Detweiler, Captain von Trapp's wealthy, wily friends. Anthony showed the insincerity of her character as she switched from being excessively doting and lovey-dovey with von Trapp to using vitriolic and scathing sarcasm with Maria. Brescia portrayed Max as being similarly fake at first, but surprised the audience with his integrity as he helped the von Trapp family escape the Nazis.
The scenes were expertly set by the set team, led by Chloe Lupo and Rachael Shore. The von Trapp mansion was incredibly lavish and detailed, with numerous adornments like textured curtains and gold-embossed pillars. The two 14-foot-tall pieces of the mansion could also rotate to show both the interior and exterior, allowing for quicker scene changes. The other highlight piece was the abbey, which featured stained glass windows made from shower curtains and strategically placed pieces of plastic and wood. Their use of unconventional materials to produce a desired effect demonstrated their creativity and expertise.
The lights team (Ella Mescher, Aidan Petrinjak, Rebecca Ryles) illuminated every scene with vibrant and well-picked colors. They collaborated with the set team to light up the stained glass of the abbey and place an extravagant chandelier in the von Trapp mansion. They also made use of multiple spotlights to focus the scenes on specific parts of the stage. Lights were also used to quickly change the emotion of a scene, such as the lights becoming warm and yellow when Maria returned to the von Trapp children, or the stage being suddenly bathed in a harsh red every time the Nazis appeared.
Westfield High School achieved something truly special with their production of The Sound of Music. Their moving portrayal of this powerful story proved that even in the face of adversity and evil, music and family will always prove triumphant.
Written by Diya Meda of Independence High School
Whisked away to the hills of Austria, Westfield High School transported its audience with heart, harmony, and Edelweiss in their heartfelt production of The Sound of Music. With strong vocal performances, a committed ensemble, and a top-tier student orchestra, this show was truly something to sing about.
The Sound of Music, written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, opened on Broadway in 1959. Based on Maria von Trapp's memoir, it follows a lively postulant who becomes governess to the seven von Trapp children. Through music, she helps heal a family still mourning their mother, while the looming Nazi occupation of Austria forces them to take a stand.
Lilli McNerney brought warmth and sincerity to the role of Maria, and her voice was clear and expressive from the opening title number. Her chemistry with the children was playful and nurturing, while her growing bond with the Captain unfolded with believable tenderness.
Peter Dalton portrayed Captain von Trapp with authority and emotional depth. His transformation from cold disciplinarian to loving father felt natural, and his rendition of "Edelweiss" was a standout; quiet, heartfelt, and stirring. "An Ordinary Couple," sung with Maria, was a soft, genuine moment of connection between two lonely souls.
The von Trapp children were individually characterized and well-cast. Jackie Larson as Liesl brought charm and maturity, especially in "Sixteen Going on Seventeen." The younger performers were delightful in "Do-Re-Mi" and "So Long, Farewell," blending innocence with precision. These numbers were tightly staged and vocally strong, aided by the steady support of the orchestra.
The student pit orchestra was a major highlight. From the opening notes of the overture, they played with clarity, emotion, and professionalism. They maintained excellent balance within themselves, enhancing each scene by allowing each instrument to be heard. In songs like "The Lonely Goatherd" and "The Sound of Music," the orchestra's dynamics and phrasing deepened the emotional impact.
In supporting roles, Julia Leonard as Mother Abbess delivered one of the night's most powerful moments with "Climb Ev’ry Mountain." Her rich vocals and commanding presence brought depth and gravitas to the production. Other supporting cast members, including Max Detweiler (TJ Brescia) and Elsa Schraeder (Scarlett Anthony), offered comedic timing and tension that grounded the story's shifting tone.
The ensemble supported the world of the show with purpose and energy, particularly during the party and festival scenes. The Nazi officers added a chilling presence that underscored the historical stakes without overshadowing the story's hopeful core.
Technically, the production shone with effective sets and smooth transitions between scenes. The von Trapp villa, Nonnberg Abbey, and the gazebo were all represented with thoughtful, flexible design. Costumes reflected the period and characters with clear attention to detail, from Maria's simple dress to the Captain's uniform. Lighting choices subtly enhanced the mood, especially during the more somber scenes.
Westfield High School's The Sound of Music was a testament to the power of live performance; uplifting, well-executed, and emotionally resonant. With a talented cast, impressive musicianship, and thoughtful design, the production reminded audiences that even in dark times, music and love can lead the way home.