In a time of remembrance across multiple cultures, JStage reminds us of hope, honor and love with their production of, ‘The Sound of Music‘.
On April 24, 2025, we commemorated Genocide Remembrance Day for the 3 million Christians of Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek descent who lost their lives at the hands of the Ottoman Turks during World War I. It was fitting that after 110 years, as I wait for world recognition of my own genocide, that I caught ‘The Sound of Music‘ on April 26, 2025 at the JStage in Irvine, CA.
I had never seen the movie as movie musicals have never held my interest, but in a modern society where my own history is still largely ignored and Holocaust denial is on the rise, the timing felt like kismet for me to finally experience this story, especially at JStage.
Prior to this production, my familiarity with ‘The Sound of Music‘ was extremely limited. I knew that Julie Andrews was the starlet of the film as I had walked or parked in front of the giant mural on the Fox Lot numerous times. I was familiar with ‘Do-Re-Mi‘ because an elementary school teacher had used the song to teach us the musical scales, and I knew ‘So Long, Farewell‘ thanks to a humorous clip from ‘Family Guy‘. Beyond that, I stepped into the theater with fresh eyes…of which a handful of friends were shocked that I had never seen the film. These are the same people who had never seen, ‘Star Wars‘, so we’re even.
The production of ‘The Sound of Music‘ was heartwarming, lively, and visually beautiful. A testament to Director and Co-Choreographer Carina Morales and Assistant Director, Co-Choreographer, Production Designer, Scenic Designer and eight other hats worn by Haven Hanson.
The show celebrated resilience, family, and courage. The child performers were uniformly delightful. Friedrich Von Trapp brought a quiet strength; Kurt Von Trapp (Kirill Shcherbakov) was charming and sweet; Brigitta Von Trapp (May Kalfus) was clever and quick-witted; Marta Von Trapp (Zoe Gaytan) radiated gentle sincerity, Kurt Con Trapp (Zach Alexson) was gentle and his confidence built throughout the performance, while Liesl Von Trapp (Alyssa Ultreras) did feel like a 16-year-old “…going on 17“, balancing the desire to be an adult, while remain youthfully joyous. However, the scene-stealer performances among the young cast were Louisa Von Trapp (Alyana Durrani) and Gretl Von Trapp (Elle Reigngold). Louisa displayed a mischievous, spirited energy that felt wonderfully natural, while little Gretl absolutely stole the audience’s heart with her innocence.
Among the adults, Lindsey VanGerpen was exceptional as Baroness Elsa Schraeder, portraying her with sophisticated nuance. Thomas Patrick Proprofsky gave a powerful, performance as Captain Von Trapp, skillfully balancing sternness with profound emotional vulnerability once realizing that in mourning his wife, he was losing his family. Kayla Rush, stepping into the iconic role of Maria Rainer, had an enormous task ahead of her, and she rose to the occasion with total heart. Her Maria was vibrant, warm, and believable, her voice lending an emotional resonance that carried through every number.
One thing I noticed, however, as a former religious studies professor, were some inaccuracies regarding religious practices depicted in the production. A quick Google search or a short YouTube video could have easily clarified how Roman Catholics properly make the Sign of the Cross; especially considering the recent repose of Pope Francis I and the ensuing Conclave that is drawing worldwide attention to Catholic traditions. In the wedding scene, the performer portraying the bishop unintentionally used his left hand to bless the couple’s nuptials, a major no-no within Christianity. Thankfully, the production house also caught this inaccuracy and reminded the left-handed actor to use his right hand for future performances.
For those that are unfamiliar with this practice, in all the Apostolic traditions, whether Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, or Church of the East, blessings are strictly given with the right hand. Someone once asked my now reposed priest, “When is it acceptable to make the Sign of the Cross with your left hand?” Father sternly replied, “When you don’t have a right.”
While details like this do matter, particularly in a story so steeped in faith and history, this technical hiccup and some minor pacing issues aside, the production was deeply heartfelt and full of talent on stage as well as behind the scenes. The JStage is still very young as a playhouse and if this is the quality we have received this early in their productions, I am very much looking forward to next season.
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‘The Sound of Music‘ continues its run at the JStage through Sunday, May 4, 2025.
To purchase tickets for ‘The Sound of Music‘ visit: https://www.jccoc.org/pages/j-stage/.
Summary
In the shadow of remembrance and the continued fight for historical truth, JStage’s ‘The Sound of Music‘ offered a beautiful evening of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of music and memory.
You do realize that you’re the only person in the world who is complaining about the way a cross is being made in a musical that’s being performed at a Jewish Community Center right? I’ve seen the show and so have many other people and not one single person has filed a complaint or complained to the cast/crew about it. Unless you’re the director of the show, don’t tell people how they should be doing their performance