Encore Stage & Studio's Ambitious Summer Production of "The Sound of Music"

The 700-seat theater at Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington was a hive of activity as the cast and crew of Encore Stage & Studio's summer production of "The Sound of Music" prepared for their opening night, just a week away. With a cast of nearly 50, an orchestra of 20, and a running time of 2.5 hours, this classic tale of the musical Von Trapp family in 1930s Austria was set to captivate audiences from July 19 to 28.

Bringing a Beloved Classic to Life on Stage

Rehearsals in Full Swing

The afternoon of July 14 saw the theater buzzing with activity as the cast and crew worked tirelessly to bring the show to life. Director Timothy R. King led the rehearsal, ensuring that the cast understood the layout of the stage, including the orchestra pit, which was marked off by tape. With nearly half the cast using individual microphones, the sound team, led by consultant Kevin Curry, provided strict guidelines to "avoid as many accidents as possible."

Overcoming Logistical Challenges

As is typical of any show during the development process, the production faced a few challenges. On the Sunday before opening night, some sets were not yet completed, and only about half the crew was present for rehearsal. The orchestra would not arrive until the following day. Despite these hurdles, the production team, led by Cleo Potter, the Encore Stage & Studio production manager, remained focused on ensuring the show would be ready for its opening performance.

A Beloved Broadway Classic

"The Sound of Music" is the final collaborative effort of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, debuting on Broadway in 1959. The show ran for more than 1,400 performances and 3.5 years during its initial run, garnering multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Encore Stage & Studio is using the Broadway script, rather than the 1965 motion-picture rewrite, for their summer production.

Encore's Tradition of Youth and Adult Performers

Encore Stage & Studio's summer productions traditionally feature a mix of youth and adult performers, and are full-length productions, unlike the typical 90-minute shows aimed at children that run from fall to spring each year. The length of this production, well over two hours, presented a logistical challenge, as the cast, crew, and audience would need to vacate the theater and parking garage shortly after the curtain closed due to the school system's schedule.

Anticipation and Excitement for Opening Night

Despite the challenges, the cast and crew remained focused and determined to deliver a captivating performance for the opening night audience. With the final touches being put in place, the theater was alive with the sound of rehearsal, as the team worked tirelessly to bring this beloved classic to life on stage.