By Patricia Beech-
The hills of northern Adams County will be alive with the sound of music next week when one of the most beloved musicals of all time comes to the Peebles High School stage.
The PHS production of “The Sound of Music” will bring together 28 cast members, 11 stage crew members, and a nine-person production team.
It is the second show produced by the high school’s music teacher, Chad Sandlin.
Sandlin, who directed the school’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie” last year, told the Defender he wanted to do a more traditional musical that is familiar to most people.
The Sound of Music is one of those older musicals that people still know,” said Sandlin. “Our kids came in knowing songs like ‘Do Re Mi’ and ‘My Favorite Things’ because the movie is still on television and is still popular with viewers.”
While several students have departed the drama program since last school year – some were graduated, others transferred to the CTC – Sandlin, who is a graduate of the Ohio State University, says the program doesn’t lack for talent.
He takes OSU football coach Urban Meyer’s view that “the next man up has got to be just as good” as the one he’s replacing.
“The kids have been just as good,” says Sandlin. “It’s been awesome to work with them.”
The Sound of Music was based on Maria von Trapp’s autobiography. It was also the final collaboration between composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
The original Broadway stage production of the musical opened almost 60 years ago on Broadway and the 1965 motion picture version starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer remains one of the most popular movie musicals of all time.
Sandlin said putting a cast together for the show was surprisingly easy.
“We just kind of asked around who would be a good fit, then we went to the elementary school and we found the right kids right away,” he says, praising the students who portray the von Trapp children. “They’re a lot of fun to work with and they’re good – they soak up knowledge like sponges, and they’re doing a great job remembering their lines.”
Miracle Cadwallader, a PHS junior plays the musical’s lead, Maria Ranier – the Von Trapp family’s governess.
Cadwallader first saw the movie production of the musical when she was only eight years old.
“From that moment on I wanted to be Maria Ranier,” she says. “And now, I am.”
Cadwallader has appeared in four high school drama productions. She says she feels a kinship with Maria.
“We’re both kind of goofy and always in trouble,” she says. “I love her because in the beginning she tried to fit in, but then she realizes that she just needs to be herself and follow her own dreams. I try to be like that as well.”
Cadwallader says audience members driving home from the play will most likely be talking about her counterpart, Ethan Lowe, who plays Captain Von Trapp, Maria’s employer.
Sandlin agrees.
“Ethan had a good rehearsal process, but getting on stage really sparked something in him,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons why I chose to give him a lead this year.”
Sandlin says audiences will be surprised by the quality of student performances.
“A lot of the kids will impress people who come to see the play,” he says. “They’ve worked hard and they’re all very excited to be a part of this musical.”
“The Sound of Music” is set in Salzburg, Austria, immediately preceding World War II. Maria, who is studying to be a nun, instead becomes governess for the seven children of widowed naval Captain Georg von Trapp. While there, Maria reawakens the family’s love of life by bringing music back into the von Trapp home. Tension ensues when Austria is invaded by the Nazis, who want to conscript the captain’s service in their navy. The final scene depicts the family crossing the Alps as they flee their home.
Stage productions are scheduled Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 25-27, at 7 p.m. at Peebles High School. Admission is $5.
The cast of players includes Miracle Cadwallader as Maria; Ethan Lowe as Captain Georg von Trapp; Ireland Akers as Mother Abbess; Jordan Syroney as Franz the butler; Harley Griffith as Frau Schmidt; Harly Griffith as Sister Berthe; Tori Whitley as Sister Margaretta; Samantha Huffman as Sister Sophia; Christin Scaff as Sister Catherine; Sarah Laxton as Liesl von Trap; Rilee Cadwallader as Friederich von Trapp; Caydence Carroll as Louisa von Trapp; Ashton Burke as Kurt von Trapp; Elizabeth Gerth as Brigitta von Trapp; Ellie Gehler as Marta von Trapp; Brett Ferguson as Rolf Gruber; Savannah Gehler as Elsa Schraeder; and Mason Lewis as Max Detweiler; Michael Rader play Herr Zeller; Cruz Beech-Turner plays Admiral von Shreiber; Grace Robertson plays Baroness Elberfeld; and the company of extra players are Anna Calhoon; Tori Cheatham; Hailey Cole; Haley Jordan; and Morgan Lower.
The all important stage crew for the production included: Tori Cheatham, Hailey Cole, Abby Doss, Avary Doss, Preston Doss, Noah Green, Benjamin Kreml, Matheus Oliveira, J.T. Robinson, Vanessa Trotter, and Rosa Williamson
Staging and productions crew members were: Director Chad Sandlin; Stage Directors Tyler Sheeley and Katie Sheeley; Assistant Director Stephanee Whitley; Costume Director, Cynthia Rader; House Manager, Angie Whitley; Choreographer, Miracle Cadwallader; and Student Directors, Jordan Syroney and Samantha Huffman.
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