Beautiful story abounds with Sound of Music

There’s been an invasion of wimple-clad nuns at Bellerose Composite High School as the music theatre program debuts The Sound of Music at the Arden Theatre Feb. 17 to 19.

“It’s chaos. There’s nuns everywhere. There’s even a few Nazi nuns,” laughs director Mark Samuel, pointing to a half-dozen nuns on break that have slipped Gestapo armbands on their black habits.

Within a few minutes the dozen or so actresses are called for another run-through. In an instant the chaos disappears as their angelic soprano voices soar to the ceiling with Latin chants.

This Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about a postulant who proves too high-spirited for a religious order and is dispatched to assist as a governess for seven children of a widowed naval officer has been compared to comfort food.

Whether it’s a glitzy touring show or a humble community production, everyone delights in this modern fairytale with familiar numbers — My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Me, Climb Ev’ry Mountain and of course The Sound of Music.

Of the 60-odd actors and musicians in this production, Victoria Anderson (Maria) carries the biggest weight. “She has a sweet voice, a clear voice. It seems natural and that’s perfect for Maria. It has no affectation.”

Paired as the stern Captain Georg Von Trapp is Devon Manning, a gentle tenor that tempers his character’s firmness with a paternal tenderness.

This year construction of a formidable set has raised the bar for the school’s musical productions. Back in September, the school received approval to teach a for-credit stagecraft program.

Under the direction of construction tech Dennis Wright, about 10 students have worked on an 11-piece set. It includes 20-foot high interior walls of the Von Trapp villa fitted with five eight-foot French doors and a grand wooden staircase. They’ve even built exterior faux stone benches and walls and a 10-foot abbey gate.

The costumes are also set to dazzle. Last year, the Citadel cleaned house with a bargain-price sale of costumes and props. While scouring the racks, Bellerose teachers purchased numerous costumes — Georg’s suit, Liesl’s dress and several ball gowns. But the icing on the cake was Maria’s grand wedding dress. “We got a $2,000 dress for $50. We were so excited when it happened.”

In addition to the students, Const. Dave Henry, the RCMP school resource officer, has been tagged as part of the Nazi honour guard dispatched to escort the captain. “He’ll be wearing a real East German army uniform borrowed from Matt Trip, a teacher at Muriel Martin.”

For Samuel, this “is a beautiful love story with beautiful music. It has beautiful sets and costumes, and we’ve put a lot of heart into this show.”