Cast members in West Branch’s “Sound of Music,” clockwise from bottom left, Alli Kanagy, Peter Blanchard, Maddie Davis, Haley Close, Jillian Zamarelli, Camdyn Schatz, Ashton Clay, Sutton Clay. (Submitted photo)
BELOIT — There is perhaps not a more iconic scene in a musical than that of Postulant, Maria Rainer, spinning with arms wide open singing “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulant who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
The Sound of Music opened at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 16, 1959, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s last musical was a triumph. It ran for 1,443 performances and earned five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In 1965 the motion picture version of The Sound of Music was released, and it made Hollywood history. Directed by Robert Wise, with a score revised by Rodgers (Hammerstein had died in 1960, so Rodgers composed both music and lyrics for two songs added to the film: “I Have Confidence” and “Something Good”), and a screenplay by Ernest Lehman, The Sound of Music boasted a dream cast featuring Julie Andrews as Maria, Christopher Plummer as the Captain, Eleanor Parker as Elsa, Peggy Wood as the Mother Abbess and Charmian Carr as Liesl. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, The Sound of Music has become the most popular movie musical ever made.
Many have come to appreciate the tradition of incredibly professional theater productions in the West Branch Community Auditorium under the meticulous direction of John Zamarelli. After almost 30 years of directing more than 70 productions, Zamarelli retired this school year. Zamarelli has created what some would call a theater dynasty, and thanks to the tradition of excellence he has created, West Branch is sure to continue this long standing tradition.
Not many would want to follow in Zamarelli’s footsteps after seeing what he has built; however, over the past few years, 1999 West Branch graduate, Krista (McClarren) Clay has worked alongside him directing the choirs at the middle school and high school and assisting him with the musicals. Clay starred in many musicals under the direction of Zamarelli while attending West Branch in the ’90s and came back to her alma mater to teach vocal music in 2008. Her job evolved from a grades 6-8 middle school position to assisting Zamarelli to now running the vocal and theatre departments. When asked how she feels about following in Zamarelli’s footsteps, Clay said, “It is such an honor to be able to continue the tradition Mr. Zamarelli has created here at West Branch. I have been so blessed to have him as a mentor for most of my life and career, and I am truly grateful to still have him alongside me each step of the way. He has been gracious and so supportive throughout this entire transition. I hope to carry on the strong program he has built over the past 28 years.”
Taking the stage in the leading role of Maria is senior Jillian Zamarelli. Jillian is the daughter of John and Jennifer Zamarelli and has been performing on the West Branch stage before even entering school. Her mesmerizing voice perfectly portrays the bubbly and kind Maria Rainer. Playing the other leading female role of the Mother Abbess is Jillian’s twin sister, Julia Zamarelli. Julia’s poignant acting and gorgeous operatic soprano voice will place audiences in absolute awe. Julia has been seen on stage in many roles, and actually played the role of little Gretl back in the 2012 production on the West Branch stage. Julia has also taken on the role of student director and choreographer in this production. It is a bittersweet moment to watch these two young ladies on stage as the youngest members of the Zamarelli family finishing their high school theater careers.
The commanding role of Captain Georg von Trapp will be played by senior Kyle Hoopes, son of Kevin and Michele Hoopes. Kyle brings the stern but loving naval captain to life. Kyle has been in many West Branch productions throughout the years and has also performed many roles at Stage Left Players in Lisbon, OH. Kyle’s brother, Owen Hoopes, will be playing the role of von Trapp’s butler, Franz. Owen has also been a part of our stage for many years.
The cast includes the lovable von Trapp children singing in perfect harmony. Liesl, the oldest of the von Trapp children, will be played by senior Maddie Davis. Maddie is the daughter of Scott and Marcy Davis and is a very active part of our high school serving as a varsity cheerleader and participating in all the vocal music and theatrical productions. Her love interest, Rolf Gruber, will be played by junior, Croesus Brock. The shy Friedrich von Trapp will be played by freshman Peter Blanchard. Peter is the son of Matt and Rebecca Blanchard. Peter is an honors student and member of our vocal groups and marching and concert bands. He also plays many different instruments including piano, oboe, bassoon and tuba. The silly, jokester Louisa von Trapp is played by sophomore Haley Close, the daughter of Scott and Sarah Close. Haley is a member of Young & Alive show choir and also serves as a majorette in the marching band. Eighth graders Camdyn Schatz, daughter of Sally & Bonnie Schatz and Alli Kanagy, daughter of David and Mikki Kanagy will be playing the roles of Brigitta von Trapp and Marta von Trapp respectively. Camdyn Schatz plays golf for West Branch Middle School and sings in the Warrior Explosion show choir. Alli is a member of Warrior Explosion show choir and also plays volleyball, basketball and runs track for West Branch Middle School. The final two von Trapps, Kurt and little Gretl are played by real life siblings, Ashton and Sutton Clay, son and daughter of Corey and Krista Clay. Ashton is active in the Environmental Club at WBMS and also is a member of the Warrior Explosion show choir. Sutton is in fourth grade at West Branch Intermediate School and also studies ballet at Canton Ballet.
The eccentric Uncle Max will be played by senior, Landon Reichenbach. Landon brings humor and flair to this role and is sure to make audiences smile. Senior, Kiersten Hofmann will be playing the role of the extravagant Elsa Schraeder. She brings an air of grace and poise to this affluent character. The roles of Sister Berthe, Sister Margaretta and Sister Sophia bring the famous song, “Maria” to the stage. Junior, Morgan Brown, will be playing the role of Sister Margaretta and junior, Ella Scofinsky will be playing the role of Sister Margaretta. Rounding out the three nuns is sophomore, Kate Slutz, who will be playing the role of Sister Sophia, the mistress of the novices. The antagonists, Herr Zeller and Admiral von Schreiber will be portrayed by Christian Mikol and Devin McKean respectively. Finally, Ally Hartzell will play the role of Frau Schmidt, von Trapp’s “chief executive officer” and maid.
Rounding out the cast is a chorus playing everything from nuns to socialite party attendees to Nazi soldiers. The chorus includes: Alaina Schluneker, Sophia Ayers, Ariana Aldridge, Cami Reichenbach, Charity Glista, Ava Parris, Michaela Smith, Klary McKay, Neely Gruver, Brooklyn Horner, Mollie McDorman, Carley Riesen, Mackenna Jarjabka, Gavin Clay, Gage Firestone, Owen Hoopes, Christian Mikol, Parker Derry, Mason Brown, Devin McKean, Logan Crutchley and Luke Dyke.
The technical directors for the show are Victor Trimmer and Corey Clay who are assisted by Stage Manager, Lacey Phillis. The Tech crew will be running 30 wireless microphones and making sure all the special effects are executed as planned. Over 40 hours were spent setting over 100 light cues that are required by the production.
Show dates and times for The Sound of Music. are as follows: Friday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m.
Tickets for all the shows will be available at the High School during the school day or by calling the box office at 330-938-2183, extension 37358. Leave a message and one of the parents in charge of box office sales will return all calls. Tickets may also be purchased online at http://wbmusic.org. All seats for the three performances are reserved and priced at $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.
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