The Spartanburg Little Theater started their 77th season with the classic play, “The Sound of Music.” From Sept. 8-24, the Spartanburg Little Theater performed “The Sound of Music” at the Chapman Cultural Center, which is the first time in 20 years that the theater has showcased the play. The production was also their first three-week run since before the pandemic, and there were full houses for all 11 performances. This play is based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp and the story of the von Trapp family singers. The story follows a young nun who is sent to be a governess for a family of seven children with a strict and widowed father. With the guidance of Maria, the von Trapp children learn to enjoy life again through music.
Jay Coffman is the executive director of Spartanburg Little Theater and the director of the play.
“Everyone was so talented and worked really hard to do their absolute best. Directing the show was a lot of fun and very challenging. With 32 cast members, a large live orchestra and backstage crew, there are a lot of things to juggle, but I luckily don’t have to do it all alone,” Coffman said.
The production was accompanied by a live orchestra, playing beloved songs such as “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” In total, it took fifty cast and crew members to make this play such a success. These members worked tirelessly for eight weeks, dedicating their afternoons and nights. However, the cast did more than act and sing. The cast altered costumes, painted sets and helped with changing costumes backstage. One of Spartanburg High School’s own, Addyson Crocker (11), shined on the stage playing Liesl von Trapp.
Molly McAbee (11) highly appreciated the play, especially since her friend was playing Liesl.
“I thought it was really good and that all the set designs, costumes and actors were amazing,” McAbee said.
“The Sound of Music” is a beloved classic which brought in a wide range of viewers to the audience. The older generations recall the classic from the book and play, while the younger generations know the story from the movie, featuring Julie Andrews as Maria. The love of this story from all ages had all shows sold out in a matter of days.
Mary Soutter Pack (9) went to see the play with her family.
“I thought it was absolutely amazing! The cast was so talented. It was honestly one of the best plays I have ever seen,” Pack said.
