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ROCHESTER - At Rochester Opera House, finally, it's Damn the Pandemic, Full Speed Ahead, with a stunning Sound of Music triumph not to be missed.
Other than a couple of errant mic plops, this production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic was a play of perfection for ROH as it put on its first post-Covid big production.
Director and choreographer Kelli Leigh-Ann Connors, who has spent time in Austria where the play is set, said the beloved play still hits home despite its age.
"The Sound of Music is about real-life people with real-world problems that are still relevant today," she said. "Fleeing one's beloved country to build a better life is a theme we are familiar with."
And the cast shows they are all in on this production, with Shaughnessey Gower as Maria and Robb Ross as Capt. Von Trapp leading the way.
The duo especially shine as their voices meld beautifully in the singing of Edelweiss in Act. 2.
And Sara DeLong, a newcomer to the Opera House stage as Mother Abbess, also stands out with an operatic prowess and booming presence and voice.
Joshua Paul Moore as Max and Constance Witman also put in stellar supporting performances.
Needless to say, however, the children rightfully steal the show.
Split up into two groups to lighten the load on the young'uns, we saw the Do-Re-Mi cast featuring Heather Conti-Clark, Nicholas Kanelos III, Avery Fecteau, Nicholas Theriault, Charlotte Tucker, Aubrey Zaimes and the adorable Ozma Kasten.
They were so delightful and talented you'll want to take them all home.
But please don't. They've got work to do through Aug. 21.
Upcoming performances include tonight through Sunday, Wednesday through Aug. 14, and Aug. 17-21, with several matinees mixed in.
This is a family play for the whole family. A must see this summer.
For tickets click here.
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