Done Something Good

There’s a sort of magic in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music,” and it stems partly from the show’s excellent book. Based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers and their heroic escape from Nazi Austria, it speaks of courage, dedication and the powerful influence of art in society.

It’s an ambitious undertaking for a small theater, but the Westminster Community Theatre revival has a lot to recommend it.

Most of the voices are up to the heavy score. And under Sandi Newcomb’s direction and Bob Goff’s musical direction, there are memorable moments, such as the filmy sound and emotional appeal of the nuns singing “Preludium” and “Gadeamus Domino.” It’s not just the music. Newcomb and Goff create the atmosphere of the lonely Nonnberg Abbey.

The staging falters when seemingly interminable set changes interrupt the rhythm of the show. Without the technical machinery to make it come and go quickly, the heavy fencing on the Von Trapp manor balcony and bordering the Vienna concert hall, from which the Von Trapps flee, is unwarranted. Similarly, moving too much furniture slows the pace.

Viki J. Yip is a delight as Maria Rainer, the postulant too full of life for the convent, who becomes the governess to Capt. Von Trapp’s seven children and, later, their stepmother. She sings with exuberant joy.

Sean Hilferty, as Von Trapp, is rigid enough for the captain’s early scenes and glows with warmth once he warms up to Maria and her effect on the children.

Joel Ray Ibanez sings well and is fine as Rolf Gruber, the telegraph deliveryboy who woos Liesl and eventually becomes a Hitler youth, although he seems too old to play 17. Sharon Billedeaux isn’t as regal and starchy as she could be as Elsa Schrader, the woman Von Trapp almost weds. Bradley Miller, as Von Trapp’s enterprising good friend Max Detweiler, almost steals the show with a solid performance, rich in detail and abundant good humor. Patricia Miller is also strong as the Mother Abbess, although vocally she’s not quite up to “Climb Every Mountain.”

*

The Von Trapp children are charming in their singing and dialogue. Daina Baker stands out as Liesl, and Brandy Warden as Brigitta, the middle daughter whose intuitive wisdom sees the love between Maria and her father before anyone else. As the oldest son, Carl Michael A. is captivating for his sense of humor and his high note in “So Long, Farewell.”

In the supporting cast, Newcomb lets some caricature performances slip in, particularly Chris Moore’s Nazi Herr Zeller and the troopers who follow him.

* “The Sound of Music,” Westminster Community Theatre, 7272 Maple St. Friday-Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; Sunday matinee, 2 p.m. Ends Aug. 2. $12. (714) 527-5546. Running time: 3 hours.

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“The Sound of Music,”

Viki J. Yip: Maria Rainer

Sean Hilferty: Captain Georg von Trapp

Patricia Miller: The Mother Abbess

Daina Baker: Liesl

Carl Michael A.: Friedrich

Brandy Warden: Brigitta

Joel Ray Ibanez: Rolf Gruber

Sharon Billedeaux: Elsa Schrader

Bradley Miller: Max Detweiler

Chris Moore: Herr Zeller

A Westminster Community Theatre production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical. Produced by Brooks-Anne and Jeff Crumley. Directed by Sandi Newcomb. Musical direction: Bob Goff. Choreography: Bradley Miller. Scenic design: Bronson. Lighting design: Bronson, Mark D. Lyen. Costumes: Sandi Newcomb, Loretta Lupo. Children’s costumes: Julie Onken, Karen Jay. Stage manager: Tom Mynar.