Toby’s Dinner Theatre Revives A Classic Story With “The Sound Of Music”

The hills are alive with the sound of music at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia.

A beloved musical, “The Sound of Music” is being performed by a talented cast of actors and singers in-the-round now through January 12.

With music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, this iteration of the story came before the 1965 film. Both the Broadway show and the film were inspired by the 1949 memoir “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.

Set during 1938 in Austria, the musical follows a young, free-spirited postulant named Maria, who is sent to serve as a governess to the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp. Maria is reluctant to go — her sense of duty compels her to plead her case for staying at the abbey — but once she meets the von Trapp children, she falls in love.

Maria teaches the children about music, all to the backdrop of several memorable songs: “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi” and others. Yet, it’s not only musical skills the kids acquire. They begin to emulate their fun-loving governess and shed the tense demeanor they demonstrated in front of their father, who commands them by blowing on a whistle. After some time, even the uptight Georg von Trapp becomes more easygoing.

The story does not end there, as Maria becomes confused about her feelings for Georg, who is then confronted with a moral dilemma that could affect the safety of his family.

In the Toby’s musical, Rachel Cahoon is perfectly cast as Maria. She captures the kind and gentle spirit of the character while showcasing an impressive vocal range. As Georg von Trapp, Jeffrey Shankle has no trouble transitioning from a stern father to a more understanding parent.

With her mannerisms and her memorable vocal performance, Emily Signor is dynamic in her Toby’s debut as Liesl von Trapp, the eldest child. She is a nurturing older sister to her siblings and a lovestruck teen who develops a fondness for a telegram delivery boy named Rolf, played by Jackson Miller, who does a nice job of balancing the sweet suitor with the colder young man turned Nazi soldier.

A rotating cast of actors portray the other von Trapp children: Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and Gretl. The kids compliment Maria as the heartbeat of the show. All of the actors possess professional acting chops, and on this particular evening, Bryn Hummel was an adorable addition as the young Gretl.

As Mother Abbess, Adrienne Athanas solicits the advice of the sisters in guiding Maria. Played by Melynda Burdette, MaryKate Brouillet and Jane Boye, the nuns show concern for Maria, but they also provide sage wisdom and support, along with powerful vocals.

“The Sound of Music” has no shortage of music. Other songs include “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” “Edelweiss” and the title number, “The Sound of Music.”

The Toby’s show is made possible with direction and choreography by Mark Minnick, music direction by Ross Scott Rawlings, scenic design by David Hopkins, lighting design by Lynn Joslin, sound design by Mark Smedley, costume design by Janine Sunday and Sarah King, wig and hair design by Jayson Kueberth and production stage management by Cheryl Stansfield. The Toby’s band is on point throughout the musical with the following instruments: keyboard, reeds and woodwinds, trumpet, trombone and percussion.

“The Sound of Music” treated fans to a beautiful story about love, family and finding purpose. Visit Toby’s for its next show, the Dolly Parton-inspired “9 to 5” musical playing January 5 - March 16. More information is available at www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.