The choreography was amazing and the dancing resembled the complex dances from the movie, but with their own Stoughton High zest. The play was beautifully set up with the scenes flowing beautifully. The stage crew did a great job with scene changes going down with the ease and expertise that professionals bring to plays. When the actors sang “So Long, Farewell” and “Sound of Music” I was awestruck by their talent.

Senior Maria, played by senior Bianca Sellito, pulled the play together, and exuded the spirit of Maria. She embraced her character very well. Captain Von Trapp, freshman Mike Silveiro, was true to the character and held a straight face. Liesl, played by senior Stephanie Kilday, sang “16 going on 17” very well. She was able to dance and sing, and still do a great job. Frederick, sophomore Laura Howard, who is a girl, did a stellar job at playing a male. She was not the only one who played a character who played an opposite gender, but I felt that she embraced her role. Kurt, played by sophomore Dan Block, was very spirited while Gretl, played by junior Liana Tilton, put on an outstanding performance. Even though, she had lost her voice, she was still able to play her part very well. Finally, Mother Superior (senior Whitney Simon) blew the audience away when she sang “Climb every mountain”. She hit all the notes perfectly. I would compare her highest note to something that came from Mariah Carey.

I thought that the band did a good job accompanying the play and the actors. The musical arrangements complemented the singing and during breaks, the music created an ambience that helped the audience not to become restless and impatient. Ms. Marini did a fantastic job conducting the band. The band played “My Favorite Things” especially well.

It was clear that the cast and crew practiced. If they messed up, they would just move on and they wouldn’t make a big deal of it. They acted very professional in a flawless performance.

The audience reaction to the play was evident in their cheering. The sets were breath-taking and beautifully painted. The mountain mural was gorgeous and the Von Trapp’s mansion was wonderful. The color scheme, which was a type of cream and off-white, was great, I really thought there was a house there!

The costumes were authentic and very good looking with an Austrian flavor to them. The costume changes were done quickly, letting the play run smoothly and without any problems. The extras did a great job of being seen, but not taking away from the actors that were saying their lines. I loved the songs even though I heard them before in the movie, and their brilliance made me feel like it was the first time listening to them. The actors did great with the singing.. The lights and spotlights followed the people well, unlike in mediocre plays, and overall, everything went well.