Though the hills of Cecil County could never be mistaken for the Austrian Alps, they are certainly alive with "The Sound of Music," at least through Nov. 19 at the Covered Bridge Theatre at Cecil Community College.
Based on the account of the Von Trapp Family Singers' flight from the invading Nazis, this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic boasts one of musical theater's most beloved scores. Along with the title song, favorites include "Climb Every Mountain," "Do Re Me" and "My Favorite Things."
But the dramatic punch of the show lies in the dark progression of events that unfold behind these folksy melodies and charming lyrics sung by nuns and cherubic children.
As the play opens, it's early 1938, and the Nazis are howling at Austria's door. All is tranquil within the walls of the Nonnberg Abbey, however, except for the misfit Maria.
Too full of life to suppress her outbursts of song, the young novice is sent by the Mother Abbess to take on the job of governess of the seven Von Trapp children, whose widowed father is a stern sea captain.
The show is directed by Allan Herlinger with a sure hand, and he has taken care to ensure that each character, no matter the size of the role, is a fully realized person. There's also ample evidence of his creative flair for staging, as in the memorable moment when the children enter by leap-frogging one another until Maria ends up face to face with an astonished Von Trapp.
All in all, the performances are polished. As the irrepressible Maria, Candy Draksler has some nice moments, particularly in her scenes with the Von Trapp children. And Mark Siegel is appropriately stern as Captain Von Trapp, though he is vocally a bit weak.
It's the supporting cast that nearly steals the show. All seven of the Von Trapp children, from Autumn Wilson as the awkward adolescent Liesl to Carey Walden as adorable little Gretl, give solid performances.
When David Strauss strides onto the stage as the egocentric impresario Max, he injects a delicious shot of cynicism into the proceedings that makes everyone sit up a little straighter in their seats. Equally delightful in the role of Elsa is the stunning Amy Gee, who is wonderfully bold and brazen in her schemes to catch the captain.
The usually forgettable duet for Elsa and Max, "How Can Love Survive?" becomes one of the highlights of the evening as performed by these two dynamos.
Another standout is Della Lied as the Mother Abbess, whose face shines with the beatific light of the blessed. And when she sails into "Climb Every Mountain," her voice proves to be as big as her heart.
The theater itself is impressively plush, so it's surprising that, with the exception of the Von Trapp interior, the sets look so sparse.
Another disappointment is the uninspired lighting design. Though a solemn mood is appropriate in the Abbey, it should be a place of divine presence. Yet the stained glass windows remain depressingly dark, leaving the sisters in shadow as their glorious Latin chants resound.
And that is a sin, because one of the chief delights of this show is the splendid choral singing. Musical director Carol Nile deserves applause for her expert direction of the intricate harmonies of the sisters, as well as nearly every musical number.
For just as music was the Von Trapps' salvation, it's really the marvelous songs that make "The Sound of Music" soar.
Show times are at 3 p.m. today, 8 p.m. Nov. 18-19 and 3 p.m. Nov. 20. For ticket information, call 287-1037.