MOOSE JAW — The hills may have been alive with the sound of music, but it was the Mae Wilson Theatre that truly resonated with the unforgettable harmonies of “The Sound of Music” this June.
The Moose Jaw Community Players' recent production of this popular classic wasn't just a performance — it was a celebration of local talent, heartwarming performances, and a magical set that transported the audience straight to the rolling hills of Austria.
Running from June 19 to 21, the show was an instant hit, with all three performances selling out well in advance.
“It was one of the greatest experiences I think our little community theatre group has ever had,” said Jarrod Jeanson, the show’s producer. “We had about 70 cast and crew all heavily involved in three sold-out shows … and everyone just loved it.”
The production's success lay not only in its performances but also in its scale and craftsmanship. Set designer Joan Stumborg's massive 24-foot sets, featuring intricate stained-glass windows and seamless transitions, took around 80 hours each to create and were described as “truly breathtaking.”
“It was really a labour of love,” Jeanson said about the set. “Joan and the crew put in countless hours, and it really showed on stage.”
The set wasn’t the only thing that had the audience raving. The play features a number of children, and guests were impressed by the talent of novice and seasoned performers alike — with many astonished to learn that no professionals were involved in the production.
“People are saying that we need to take this show on the road, and that this felt like a Broadway production,” he said.
Kayla Jacobs as Maria von Trapp and Tim Issler as Captain Georg von Trapp received glowing reviews. “I was hoping Maria would be comparable to Julie Andrews and you hit your role right out of the park,” one reviewer said. “(Tim Issler), your acting and your singing voice (are) spectacular,” another said.
The show also stood out for its crowd-pleasing choreography, which utilized the theatre aisles to create an immersive experience. “Set design, choreography — using the (aisles) was fantastic, the orchestra in the pit, the acting, and the incredible voices! Bravo,” one reviewer wrote.
Perhaps the greatest compliment was for the community itself. “The incredible talent that it took to put on a show of this magnitude in little ‘ole Moose Jaw is nothing short of amazing,” one enthusiastic viewer said after the show. “The response from the crowd was like, ‘I didn’t know we had so much local talent,” Jeanson added.
The unexpected involvement of Mayor James Murdock added to the fun, as he took on the role of the priest who married Captain von Trapp and Maria. “He was very excited to come down and help out … and it was a cool celebrity stand-in,” Jeanson noted.
“We are so pleased with the collaboration with the Moose Jaw Centre for Arts and Culture and their great team, and just a big thank you to everyone far and wide who came to see the show, supported us, cheered us on, and loved us for all our hard work,” he said, noting that viewers came from as far away as Regina, Dundurn, Saskatoon, and Lloydminster. “It’s always nice to have your hard work appreciated, loved, and really supported by everybody.”
For a show that has been around for more than six decades, The Sound of Music still has the ability to captivate audiences. “It was a long show, but everyone was loving it,” Jeanson said. “It was worth it in the end.”
As Maria von Trapp said, “When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.” For the Moose Jaw Community Players, that window led straight to a standing ovation.
To learn more, visit “Moose Jaw Community Players” on Facebook.
