February 6, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
Northland Pines students to perform 'The Sound of Music'
Northland Pines students to perform 'The Sound of Music'
This is the fifth annual musical production at NPHS in recent years.
The musical centers around Maria, a sweet, young postulant whose love of freedom makes it obvious to her superiors that she is not suited for religious life. She is sent off to be the governess to Captain Von Trapp's seven children. Unlike previous governesses, Maria soon becomes friends with the children due to their mutual love of music. As even the strict Captain begins to admire Maria, the family must learn how to stay together amidst a rapidly changing political climate in Austria prior to World War II.
Students will comprise the entire cast and crew, including technical crew, lights and sound. A live pit orchestra, including student musicians, will also be used. The musical will be directed by choir director Kate Janssen and science teacher Ann Perry. The pit orchestra will be conducted by Jennifer Anderson, with acting coaching by Bernie Hupperts and costume design by Judy Clure.
The two-act musical involves a cast and crew of 50 NPHS students and a live 14-piece pit orchestra. The production includes 18 musical numbers, including the "The Sound of Music," "Do-Re-Mi," "The Lonely Goatherd" and "Sixteen Going on Seventeen."
Students playing major roles include seniors Katie Piper as Maria, Mason Hakes as Captain Von Trapp, Rebecca Anderson as the Mother Abbess, Jared Akers as Rolf, Benn Gober as Max Detweiler, and Samantha Johnston as Elsa. The Von Trapp children will be played by seniors Jessica Anderson and Joseph Miller, sophomores Luke Simons, Anna Robins, Corrinne Justice, and Madison Ludwig, and third grader Emma Perry. Other key nuns are played by sophomores Jennah Ludwig, Samantha Hytry and Heidi Olson. Tryouts were held and rehearsals began in November.
"The musical is a school and community endeavor that continues to grow each year," said Janssen. "The cast has rehearsed each school day for two and a half hours since November. The students have given up weekend time with Saturday rehearsals. Our pit orchestra has rehearsed twice a week since December. We are lucky to have supportive community members, and local business owners that donate their time, along with many parents who volunteer for supervision, selling tickets, ushering and making costumes. Through these productions, students learn to step outside of themselves to appreciate other perspectives and work together toward a common goal, all while being exposed to the amazing world of theatre production."
Key persons in production include technical director Jeff Janssen, lighting designer Morgan Munnik, sound manager Gabby Galbreath, prop manager Cayla Tennikait, stage manager Teddy Karlovich, and an additional crew of students on scene changes, hair, and makeup. The pit orchestra includes Laura Plank, piano, Jack Misina, keyboard, Cindy Nelson, violin, Martha Milanowski, viola, Jim Schwanke, flute, Rachel Strong, clarinet, Abel Lifschutz, bassoon, Forrest Mann, trumpet, Eddie Stevens, trumpet and french horn, Walker Levan and Carie Kluever, trombone, Matt McGill, tuba, and Mike Wade, percussion.
Tickets for "The Sound of Music" are on sale now in the NPHS Office. Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $2 for seniors, and free for NPSD students and staff. Doors will open a half hour before each performance. The NPSD Music Boosters will be sponsoring a flower sale at each performance; along with a "My Favorite Things" raffle basket that will be drawn for at the Sunday performance (need not be present to win).
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