Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with the actors and directors of the Hays High musical "The Sound of Music" on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.
By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The von Trapp family will take the stage tonight as Hays High School presents an intense production of “The Sound of Music.”
Alex Underwood, Hays High School music teacher, said the upcoming production extends beyond high school students, featuring cast members as young as 6.
"To cheer on young people in their pursuit of the arts is such a powerful experience," Underwood said.
The show will be performed at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online or at the door of the Hays High School Performing Arts Center, 2300 E. 13th St.
The production features 53 cast members and about 40 musicians in the orchestra pit, including 20 students.
"Johanna Jones as Maria Rainer is incredible. She is really taking command of this role, and she drives the show. It's quite remarkable," Underwood said. "Bryson Webber plays the Georg von Trapp, and he's absolutely fantastic."
The cast also features:
11th grader Harley Foarde and Rolf Gruber
11th grader Alexis Ryan as Liesl von Trapp
10th grader Ryan Ward as Friedrich von Trapp
10th grader Martha Miller as Louisa von Trapp
6th grader Zaric Picking as Kurt von Trapp
2nd grader Camryn Crough as Marta von Trapp
1st grader Gemma Davidson as Gretl von Trapp
Rehearsals began Jan. 11. The show runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 10-minute intermission, and marks the first production in the new performing arts center.
"We knew we needed a pretty famous show, one with a lot of name recognition. We really hope that a lot of the community comes in and experiences the new space," Underwood said.
The production follows the classic 1959 Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein musical set in 1938 Austria. It focuses on Maria, a free-spirited nun who becomes the governess of the von Trapp family.
Underwood said the story was chosen because it fits this year’s students’ strengths and explores themes that remain relevant today, especially how people respond differently to the rise of fascism.
The production tells the story of the family’s resistance to the Nazi regime and their attempted escape. Underwood said the script and songs remain unchanged, but the Nazi presence is portrayed much more strongly.
"The more in-your-face threat of the Nazis will be intense. I think people will be very stirred by that, and I think that'll make the final moments really beautiful," he said.
Underwood said students are learning to create excellence by dedicating themselves to a large group project. They had a hand in costumes, lighting, musical numbers, and building and painting the sets.
"There's something really powerful about telling a story together in mass," he said.
Underwood said he hopes to reintroduce audiences to characters who were reduced to background roles in the 1965 film adaptation.
Underwood said he is thankful for the community’s support of the performing arts. While shows no longer sell out as they did 30 years ago, he said attendance remains strong.
"The work we do is really incredible. I always want to encourage Hays to come out and watch how amazing these kids are and be present with the work they're doing," he said.
You can follow Hays High School Music and Theatre on Facebook.
