For Evolve Theatrics’ 20th anniversary show, co-founder Helen Hart wanted to direct something special. Being a fan of old-school musicals, she felt “The Sound of Music” would be the perfect choice, especially given the current political climate.
“The last show we did was ‘Chicago,’ so this time around, we were looking for a show that was more family oriented,” Hart said. “I put a proposal together and explained to the board of directors why I thought it would be a good show to do, especially the themes involved: resilience, overcoming adversity, standing up for what’s right and commitment to family.”
The show runs from July 18 through 26 at Delta Presbyterian Church. It marks a milestone of two decades of performances for Evolve, which was known as Blue Light Players until 2020.
“My husband and I founded the group in 2005,” Hart said. “We met in community theater, and we sort of put our heads together and decided to start a theater company. He passed away in late 2021, but I had a lot of people step up and offer assistance, so we’ve been able to keep going. It’s a real community effort.”
Being an itinerate company, Evolve doesn’t own a theater, so it often has to search for new venues. This is the company’s first time at Delta Presbyterian, and the sanctuary area where the show will take place is smaller than it’s used to. However, Hart said this allows the production to be more immersive, thanks to the combined efforts of the cast and crew.
As Hart described, nuns sit in the church aisles to sing in the background. Partygoers at the von Trapp villa make their entrance to the “ballroom” through the audience. For outdoor scenes, large murals depicting the mountainsides are placed on either side of the stage.
“I’m a believer that you can create theater anywhere and make it a realistic story,” Hart said. “At our regular stage, we can do full-blown sets, but that’s not necessary. It’s the talent of the actors and the creativity that we put into creating the environment that matters.”
Hart said that out of the approximately 32 cast members, at least half have worked with Evolve before. However, there are still plenty of newcomers, including several who are related to each other. Sisters Josie and Zoe Isbell play Maria Rainer and Brigitta von Trapp. Marty Snitgen, who plays Capt. von Trapp, is joined on stage by his real-life daughter, Jocelyn, as Louisa von Trapp.
“It’s a phenomenal cast,” Hart said. “Everybody is so accepting and supportive of one another. They high-five each other when they walk off the stage or when somebody gets a compliment. And the kids are like little professionals: They come in, they do what they’re supposed to do, they’re prepared.”
Having such a close-knit cast came in handy when the actor originally set to play Rolf Gruber had to drop out. When Hart asked the cast to spread news of the open role to anyone who might be interested, Josie Isbell reached out to her friend Philip Conner, a theater teacher from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“It’s a role he’s always wanted to play. He also teaches ‘The Sound of Music’ to his students,” Hart said. “He sent in an audition tape, and we selected him. He made arrangements to fly back and stay with family and friends throughout the duration of the show. I would say that’s the farthest we’ve ever had someone come to be part of a show!”
Of course, “The Sound of Music” isn’t just a family show. Hart is well aware of the historical relevance of the von Trapp family’s story, especially in light of current events. In an effort to ensure everyone in the company understood the significance, too, she enlisted a retired history teacher from the cast to help educate other members on the von Trapps and late-1930s Austria.
“We also had somebody come in from the Catholic Church to teach about nuns and what some of the things they’re doing in the show mean,” she said. “I think it’s helped the cast understand the show and relate to their characters much better.”
Hart hopes audiences will also appreciate the weight of the history without letting it detract from their enjoyment of the show.
“Yes, there are some themes that are based on history, but it’s a history lesson, which is one of the things that I like about the show. It’s got great themes about morality, and it’s a family-friendly show, so audience members of all ages can attend without concern about the content. It’s going to be a really, really good show.”
“Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help”
Through Aug. 3
2 p.m. Thursday, Saturday-Sunday
7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
No performance July 4
Williamston Theatre
122 S. Putnam St., Williamston
“The Sound of Music”
July 18-20 and 25-26
7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
3 p.m. Sunday
Delta Presbyterian Church
6100 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing
Ten-Minute Play Festival
July 23-27
7 p.m.
LCC Outdoor Amphitheater (between Gannon Building and Dart Auditorium)
“The Little Mermaid Jr.”
Aug. 1-3 and 8-10
7 p.m. Friday
3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Hannah Community Center
819 Abbot Road, East Lansing
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