Review: Sound of Music at Starlight

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One of the most beloved musicals of all time, The Sound of Music, is showing at Starlight Theatre this summer. With many of the most recognized songs in Broadway history, and a story we all know having watched Julie Andrews dance atop a mountain in Austria every holiday season as the movie was shown on television, this was one of the most anticipated shows of the summer.

My daughters and I attended opening night, surrounded by fans - many whispering the lyrics in their seats and noticing their favorite parts of the show. As a fan of the original film, and one who has enjoyed many stage productions, I was pleased that this version stayed true to the story as we've come to know and love. 

Sound of Music

• July 25-31 at 8:30 p.m. Buy Tickets online
• Starlight Theatre. Driving directions to Starlight Theatre and Parking Information for Starlight.

The cast in this production was outstanding. Led by Analisa Leaming as Maria and Tom Galantich as Captain von Trapp, the performers were wonderful. Leaming's singing voice is beautiful and she presented the classic songs just the way you expected to enjoy them.  Adding to the fun of this local production were seven charming Kansas City kids performing as the von Trapp children: Claire Charland, Cam Burns, Brendan Hulla, Delilah Rose Pellow, Josephine Pellow, Fiona Scott, and Megan Walstrom. The children were outstanding with Delilah Rose Pellow as Gretl receiving many of the "awws" and laughs from the audience. Another great touch was the singing of the Kansas City Women's Chorus as the nuns - they performed exquisite renditions of Maria,  and Confitemini Domino.  The singing, which is really what everyone comes to enjoy about The Sound of Music was absolutely wonderful and worth the price of admission.

For this production, I was happy to see beautiful backdrops, classic props, and costuming very reminiscent of the film production. As a lifelong fan of the show, I was delighted to see such strong performances, great sets, and a terrific cast bring the story of the von Trapps to life once again.

5 Reasons You Should take Your Family to see Sound of Music at Starlight:

• I grew up attending classic shows at Starlight... Sound of Music, The King & I, Camelot, Peter Pan ... the nostalgia of a true classic enjoyed by generations is the essence of summer musical memories. Watching this show, I felt nostaligic to revisit classics again and found myself falling in love with live musical theater all over again.
• Starlight did what Starlight does best with this show... bringing local performers to stage to shine amidst professionals for a fantastic production that makes you fall in love with Starlight all over again.
• The songs... they are all wonderful and this cast delivers! The performances will make you fall in love with Rodgers & Hammerstein all over again.
• The story... what a truly timeless family tale of love, commitment, honor, and values... the show makes you fall in love with the von Trapps all over again.
• And for number 5... you've been dying to see a fantastic show all summer. This is the one the entire family will love!

Tips for Starlight Theatre:

• Keep Hydrated and cool: You may bring 1 sealed bottle of water per guest into the theater. Complimentary water stations are located at the North and East Guest Relations. Water misters are placed throughout the theater for guest convenience. And, Starlight has drinking fountains throughout the theater. You may also want to bring a fan too keep cool.
• What Parents Want to Know in order to decide if their child should see the show:  As fans of the show know, the Nazi scenes can be a bit scary and may bring up questions on the ride home, be prepared for that. Otherwise, this is one of the most endearing family musicals of all time and Starlight kept the tradition going strong!
• Tips BEFORE the Show: If you bring children,  have them nap in the afternoon prior to a Starlight show and I clear our calendar the following morning allowing them to sleep as late as possible (and possibly nap again the next day). The show does start at bedtime. You may pack pajamas in to change in the car so sleepy kiddos can be carried directly into bed after. 
• Booster seats: A limited supply of complimentary booster seats is available at the Ovation gift store. Please drop your booster seat off at any gate, Guest relations table or return it to the Ovation gift store after the show.
• Preshow Tours: Arrive early and get a free, behind-the-scenes look at Starlight and learn about Starlight’s rich history in Kansas City. Tours begin before each performance at three convenient times: 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Patrons interested in touring Starlight Theatre should report to the top of the theater behind Terrace Section 1 to begin their facility tours. 
• Interpreted Performances: Saturday performances at Starlight Theatre are described for the blind and visually impaired by Kansas Audio-Reader Network. Devices for this service are available at the Audio-Reader table behind Terrace Section 2. Sunday performances at Starlight Theatre are interpreted for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Two interpreters are positioned on stage, house right. Patrons can view the interpreters from sections 4 and 6 of the Orchestra and Plaza sections. Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons may purchase tickets by calling the Kansas Relay Center at 800.766.3777 or Relay Missouri at 800.735.2966. 
• Assisted listening devices: Assisted listening devices are available free of charge for every performance. Visit the Ovation gift store and leave your driver's license in exchange for one of the listening devices. Following the performance, please return the device to the store and pick up your ID.
• Courtesy shuttles: This summer six-passenger shuttles patrol the main parking areas, providing assistance for those who most need it.
• Wheelchair assistance: Wheelchair assistance is available from all gates to the guest's seating location and back to the gate point after the show.
• Emergencies: An EMT is on Starlight premises for all events and can be reached by radio through any of the contacts noted above. 
• Preshow Dining: A delicious dinner buffet is offered before the show. Learn more about preshow dining.