THE hills will indeed come alive when Moree Arts Community Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music at Moree Uniting Church Hall on Frome Street later this month.
The MACT production of this timeless classic, expertly directed by Moree Secondary College deputy principal, Stevie Drenkhahn and co-directed by Tim Barklay, features David Powell as Captain Georg von Trapp, Talitha Mitchell as Maria and Mandy Mitchell as the Mother Abbess.
Also starring are MACT veterans Will Penfold, Jayne McDouall, Bernadette Quirk and Helena Ross as well as rising stars Josie, Cedar and Petra Mitchell, Imogen, Esther, Lillian and Florence Cobb, Lucy Morrison and Atticus Wright.
The production also features beautiful dances, including a delightful rendition of Sixteen Going on Seventeen, performed by siblings Millie and Max Mitchell and expertly choreographed by Jessica Maharaj and Chelsie Assef.
Behind the scenes, making sure all cogs turn with unfaltering mastery, is a team of stagehands who prefer to create the limelight, rather than be under it.
Incredibly, the MACT production of The Sound of Music features more than 100 costumes.
“The iconic curtain clothing has been meticulously created by Taylor Powell, who has gathered, cut, stitched, altered, and pressed every inch of fabric with incredible results,” Stevie Drenkhahn said.
Backstage, an incredible crew will diligently make the magic happen behind.
“Michael and Sophia Phipps are masterminding the lighting; Alexander Davis, the Morrison boys, James Barron and Andrew King are ensuring flawless sound, and Isabelle Kelly is tirelessly managing all the props,” she said.
“There are truly special moments throughout the show, and our community is going to be blown away by the sheer amount of talent our town possesses.
“This musical has truly pulled from all areas of the local community, with the Moree District Band set to open some shows with the musical’s score, further enriching the experience,” she said.
Set in picturesque Austria in 1938, The Sound of Music is a heartwarming story of music, joy and courage as the ominous shadow of Nazi power looms over Europe.
MACT’s rendition of this family favourite features a treasure trove of cherished songs that will resonate deeply with viewers.
Climb Ev’ry Mountain, beautifully delivered by Mandy Mitchell in her role as the Mother Abbess, and the infectious joy of My Favorite Things and foundational Do Re Mi will be led by Talitha Mitchell, who makes her highly-anticipated musical debut with MACT as leading lady, Maria.
“Talitha’s performance of the title number, The Sound of Music, set against the beautifully painted Austrian Alps by local artists Julia Warner (from Jule Jarner) and Nicole Fitzgerald, is nothing short of iconic,” Ms Drenkhahn said.
“Audiences will also delight in Sixteen Going on Seventeen and other numbers, brought to life by our incredibly talented children, who are sure to win every heart in the audience.”
The inspirational narrative, based on the real-life memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, unfolds as an ebullient postulant takes on the role of governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, portrayed by the talented David Powell.
“David is magnificent as The Captain, and it will be an absolute treat for audiences to see him perform,” Ms Drenkhahn said.
Maria’s arrival infuses the household with music and happiness, healing old wounds. However, as the threatening forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family are faced with a profound moral decision that will shape their destiny.
The production, with 10 shows scheduled, also plays in early August, with dates and times available at www.123tix.com.au as well as below this article.
Tickets are also available from Sylvia Broderick at Sylvia’s Fabrics in the Max Centre on Heber Street.
MACT, founded 10 years ago by Ms Drenkhahn and visionary Rebecca Reardon, has become an entertainment cornerstone for the Moree community.
Ms Drenkhahn is no stranger to the stage or live performances.
Her extensive involvement in almost every MACT production, whether directing, singing, dancing or acting, is testament to her lifelong passion for performance, which began with writing and directing as a child.
Her directorial talent was formally recognised with a High Distinction for her university debut in 2006, where she helmed a stage version of Trainspotting.
Following numerous high school productions she wrote and directed while teaching in Canowindra, Ms Drenkhahn later directed children’s theatre groups in Moree.
She returned to adult theatre with MACT’s production of The Red Barn in 2016, starring Merri-May Gill and continued with the popular Sticky Sweet series and Sirens and Seamen.
Ms Drenkhahn, deputy principal at Moree Secondary College, also co-wrote the two-hour musical, Lemon Lime and Scissors, which was successfully performed on stage in 2018.
As school deputy principal, she inspires students across drama, music, visual arts, and English and is driven by a desire to provide quality entertainment for Moree.
Ms Drenkhahn has long envisioned engaging more children in the creative and performing arts, which makes The Sound of Music a long-held dream that will later this month unfold in remarkable fashion at the Moree Uniting Church Hall.
“The Sound of Music not only offers a captivating escape, but also a poignant reflection on courage and conviction,” Ms Drenkhahn said.
MACT’s The Sound of Music
When: July 18-19-20 and July 25-26-27 as well as August 1-2 (10 shows)
Where: Moree Uniting Church Hall on Frome Street
Times: 1pm and 6pm (check booking site for specific times on specific days)
Cost: $30 to $50
Tickets: www.123tix.com.au
Images courtesy of Lesley Barklay.
