By Bethany Bray
The Collins Center is alive with the "Sound of Music" this week.
Nuns, Nazis and the von Trapp family have been rehearsing for months at Andover High School in preparation for their fall musical, "The Sound of Music," which opens tonight.
The cast, which includes local elementary- and middle-school students as some of the von Trapp children, toured Andover schools on Nov. 13, giving preview performances. The classic, family-friendly musical is a change from recent productions, including last year's "A Chorus Line," which contained some adult themes.
"It's family-friendly, it's a staple of childhood," said Andover High senior Margaret Christoforo, who plays Fraulein Maria. "It's a lot of fun, and I love working with the kids."
Christoforo said the character of Maria matches her own happy-go-lucky personality.
Elya Bottiger, 14, and Samantha Marton, 15, who play von Trapp daughters Brigitta and Louisa, said the show has been a real team effort. Because the cast has such a wide age range, they've learned to work together and rely on each other.
On Monday, as the cast ran through a dress rehearsal, teens dressed in nun habits, party dresses and lederhosen studied, adjusted each others costumes and chatted backstage, humming strains of "16 going on 17" and "Do-re-mi."
Tiernan O'Rourke, a 12-year-old Pike School student who plays Kurt von Trapp, said being in the show has taught him time management, scheduling homework time around after-school rehearsals. Tiernan's younger sister, 6-year-old Dierdre, plays Gretl, the youngest von Trapp.
Friedrich, the eldest von Trapp son, is played by South Elementary student Sam Krapels, 12.
Sam said the high school cast has been really nice to the youngsters in the production, and he's learned from them.
Through the show, Christoforo's character transitions from a nun to a nanny and eventually a bride and stepmother to the seven von Trapp children.
Backstage during her multiple costume changes, Christoforo says she takes time to "breathe, and try to remember to have fun."
"I've really learned to value the amount of work that has gone into this show. The blood, sweat and tears, literally, that goes into the show from everyone," said Christoforo.
"Sound of Music" theatergoers may be instantly transported to Austria on the brink of World War II for the AHS production. An impressive two-story set is framed by a backdrop painted with Alpine peaks.
The stage surrounds an open orchestra pit, and the production's student orchestra is visible, conducted by AHS Band Director Joe Wright.
The show is directed by Susan Choquette, AHS director of theater. An American army of parent volunteers, support staff and students have taken care of everything from lighting and props to costumes and sound effects.
"Sound of Music"
Presented by Andover High School
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Nov. 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21 and 22 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $18 adults; $9 students and seniors (60+)
Box office: www.collins-center.com or 1-866-811-4111
