Classic hits the GRHS stage

Residents who enjoyed "The Sound of Music" film will not want to miss the Green River High School Theater Department's musical production of the classic.

The department is scheduled to perform "The Sound of Music" by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Songs such as "The Sound of Music," "Do-Re-Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" "My Favorite Things" and "So Long - Farewell," will be performed by the students Thursday and Friday nights a 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. at the GRHS theater.

Theater director Terrin Musbach said it was only fitting that the students perform this musical since it is the 50th anniversary of the well-known Julie Andrews Sound of Music film. The musical is geared toward ages five and up.

"The whole family will enjoy this show," Musbach said.

This musical is similar to the movie, but it is not exactly the same, she said. Carrie Underwood actually stars in the film that uses the same Rodgers and Hammerstein script the school is using. The script is based off the novel by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The novel is based on Maria von Trapp's memoir titled "The Story of The Trapp Family Singers."

Even though the students are performing the play for the 50th year celebration,  there is more to it than that. It has an even bigger meaning to the school.

"It was the first musical to be produced in our auditorium after the high school was built 17 years ago," Musbach said. "Mostly, our students are in a place where they can do justice to such a timeless piece, and we wanted to give them that opportunity."

A lot of time and effort has gone into preparing for the upcoming performances. The cast spent an incredible amount of time rehearsing musical parts, lines, and blocking.

The music directors, Jill Carpenter and Weston Lamb have spent hours coaching the students in their singing parts. Not to mention the time each member has spent outside of rehearsal practicing on their own.

The set crew for this production also had its work cut out for them. Musbach said the set is massive and required a lot of time getting it ready. Luckily, Karen Feigel was prepared and had a master plan that has helped the crew meet deadlines.  

Musbach said they have also had a lot of adult help with the set; and Shandra Johnson has been the leader of a wonderful group of parents that designed and made all the costumes.

"Every show has its challenges, but we look at these as opportunities to grow," Musbach said. "We are able to overcome obstacles mainly due to that reflective attitude. We also have very supportive administration, and community members that are willing to jump in and help. Our entire orchestra pit is composed of volunteers, mostly music teachers in the district, that spend hours of their own time making the music sound wonderful."

This is an opportunity to pass down a story many have enjoyed for generations.

"For young kids, I think it helps them see themselves as one of the characters, and for adults, it reminds us of the trials and triumphs we all face," she said.

Tickets for the show can be purchased at the GRHS main office in advance or at the door prior to each performance.

 

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