Happy Leap Year!

 Happy Leap Day Everyone! In case you are sitting there wondering again why it is we have one extra day this year- (can't quite remember back to 7th grade science...) Here are some videos to help explain!



In case you couldn't sit through the first video- or happen to be under the age of 10- here is another explanation of leap year Veggietales style!


One of my favorite stories involving leap year is Pirates of Penzance! Watch the video or read the King's quote below! Ha ha ha ha ha.... he is a little boy of five!!!

Pirate King:
For some ridiculous reason, to which, however, I’ve no desire to be disloyal,
Some person in authority, I don’t know who, very likely the Astronomer Royal,
Has decided that, although for such a beastly month as February,
twenty-eight days as a rule are plenty,
One year in every four his days shall be reckoned as nine and twenty.
Through some singular coincidence – I shouldn’t be surprised if it were owing to the agency of an ill-natured fairy –
You are the victim of this clumsy arrangement, having been born in leap-year, on the twenty-ninth of February;
And so, by a simple arithmetical process, you’ll easily discover,
That though you’ve lived twenty-one years, yet, if we go by birthdays,
you’re only five,
and a little bit over!

Happy Leap Year!!! 

Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Directors Edition

When considering the Sound of Music, it is easy to get hyped up about the cast, and the children, and even the orchestra- but sometimes people forget about how much dedication and work the directors do! Recognition on their behalf is certainly needed, so this post goes out to them! Below is a video with interviews with Prof. Crum, Dr. Monkelien, and Dr. Dettwiler! (Video contains clips of staging, set, orchestra, and music rehearsals)


 

Dr. Monkelien kindly provided me with more info on her perspective of this show!

What has working on this show been like, in general and in comparison with past shows?

This show has been in some ways easier and in others more challenging.  I grew up with the show, so know it very well.  Since I knew the music and lyrics, it made preparation easier. 

What has been a challenge of working on this show? 

Working with children has been the challenge – you never know what they are going to do on stage.  In preparing them for the music, you have to use repetition or they will forget things.  With college students, they learn it at the beginning of the rehearsal process and have an easier time remembering the music.  With kids, they have to go over it many times every day to be sure that they don’t forget.

Have you ever been involved with a different production of the Sound of Music?  

I have never been in the show or worked on a production until this year.  It was just always one of my favorites.

What is your favorite song or scene from the show?  

I really like the Lonely Goatherd as the song to calm the children during the storm.  There is so much energy from the kids and Maria that it makes it really fun!

If you had to pick one character you would want to play (not accounting for age or gender)- who would it be?  

I think it would be Louisa.  She is a little stinker and likes to play tricks.  I think that is very different from what I was like as a child and being a little ornery would be fun!

Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Nuns & Nazis

The chorus is a crucial and integral part to every show! And I know the sound of music wouldn't be the same without our lovely Nuns Chorus, our rollicking group of Nazi soldiers, and graceful party guests! Keep reading to hear about a perspective of the show from a few of our chorus members! 

,

Name: Arlene Boruchowitz
Year in School: Freshman
Major: BA in Music

What character are you playing? 
Ursula (the housemaid), and a Nun in the Nuns chorus

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music? 
I love musicals, so just being a part of the production is a great experience. It's also so much fun to have a great time with the cast.

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part? 
Memorizing the music for nuns choir (latin does not like me...) and being patient at rehearsal has probably been the hardest.

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?
My favorite song...that's a hard choice...but I'd probably have to say Maria...love that song!

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals? 
This is my first Mansfield musical! Though I've seen a few of them before.

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing? 
You could find me practicing of course, as well as watching movies (especially Disney, reading, and spending time with some really awesome friends.

What are a few of your favorite things? 
Raspberries and strawberries and lots of things chocolate,
Reading and reading I never can stop it,
Music and movies and things on TV,
These are a few of my favorite things!

Name: Katie Cormier
Year in School: Senior
Major: Music Education (Voice)

What character are you playing? 
I am a Nun and Frau Zeller.

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?
I'm just loving being back in a musical production, I haven't been in one since my Sr. Yr. of Highschool.

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part?
I've had to work on developing more of a storyline that just, "Oh right, I walk up now and shush my husband." I need to know why, and how to get there and so on.

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?
My favorite song is probably "The Lonely Goatherd"

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals? 
I have not been in any other Mansfield Musicals.

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing? 
When I'm not at musical I'm generally reading, working out or trying to learn my music for my recital.

What are a few of your favorite things? 

Reading and sleeping and yoga and cycling.
 Lifting and singing and coloring with crayons.
Curled up in bean bags with popcorn and friends,
these are a few of my favorite things.

Name: Geoffrey Baker
Year in School: Freshmen
Major: Music Technology

What character are you playing? 
Ensemble member

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?
I love the music from the show.

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part?
Keeping scene changes straight.

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?
These are my Favorite things

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals? 
Nope.

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing? 
Sitting in Bulter or in my room doing homework.

What are a few of your favorite things? 

I like to show dogs at lots of big contests,
I like to bowl with those shoes and a fun vest,
Music comes first above all of those things,
These are a few of my favorite things!

To get a sneak peak of the Nuns Singing Click Here!

Watch below a short snip-it of the dancers at work, early on in the process! 

**Stay tuned for more of Who's Who in the Sound of Music!**

Missed the first post about the Sound of Music?

Read it Now!

Want to see more of Who's Who?

Von Trapp Kids,

Captain,

Liesl & Rolf, 

Max and Elsa,  

Sister Sophia, Margaretta, and Berthe, 

Frau Schmidt and Franz, 

Mother Abbess, 

Maria

Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Von Trapp Children

One very interesting part about this show, that has been different from the last few years of musicals, is that we are working with actual children (ranging from age 6 and up)! The crazy part is: when you are onstage with children you never know what to expect from them. Will they remember their lines? Will they do the right choreography? Will they stay in character? All of these questions and more are on the minds of all the actors interacting with the children on stage. Despite these doubts and questions, working with the kids has been nothing but amazing and fun. They have such energy during rehearsals, are really adorable, and very talented! I know that as Maria, I have no problems at all acting like I love the children, because I really have started to! I also have a firm belief that the audience is going to love the kids as much as I do! 

Keep reading to meet a few of the actors playing the kids!

Left to Right: Gretl, Marta, Kurt, Maria, Brigitta, Louisa, Fredrich, and Liesl

A few of the kids filled out forms to share with you more about themselves and their experience!

Name: Katie Burke
Age: 6

What character are you playing, and how old is your character?
Gretl, 5 

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?
Singing with all of the talented people.

Do you like being in a musical with college students?
Yes. They make it easy and fun!

What is your favorite song or scene in the show?
So Long, Farewell.

Have you been in any other musicals?
This is my first one!

What are some of your hobbies or other interests, aside from music?
I take piano and harp lessons, and I am in a Daisy Troop. 

What are a few of your favorite things? 
My Little Pony and Phineas and Freb,
Hexbugs and playing with the game Angry Birds,
Playing with friends and the joy that it brings,
These are a few of my favorite things!

Left to Right: Gretl, Marta, Brigitta, Kurt, Louisa, Fredrich, Liesl, and Captain

Name: Abbye Cavanaugh
Age: 8

What character are you playing, and how old is your character?
Marta, 7

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?
My favorite part is singing the songs!

Do you like being in a musical with college students?
Yes, because they teach me lots of things.

What is your favorite song or scene in the show?
So Long, Farewell

Have you been in any other musicals?
Yes, Winnie the Pooh, 101 Dalmatians, and parts of the Sound of Music for Hamilton Gibson.
 

What are some of your hobbies or other interests, aside from music?
Drawing, Playing Soccer, Playing games with my family.

What are a few of your favorite things?  
I like to play sports, and some games like UNO,
Using my ipod and being in this show,
Fun with my sisters, and those sorts of things,  
These are a few of my favorite things!

Left to Right: Gretl, Marta, Brigitta, Kurt, Louisa, Fredrich, Liesl, Maria

Name: Elliana Fry
Age: 10

What character are you playing, and how old is your character?
Brigitta, 9

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?
All the moving around and going on the big stage!

Do you like being in a musical with college students?
Yes!

What is your favorite song or scene in the show?
Song: My favorite things, and Scene: The goodbye scene

Have you been in any other musicals?
School musicals: yes, but big musicals: no.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests, aside from music?
Sports: Softball, Skiing, Soccer, and Basketball

What are a few of your favorite things?  
I love so many things, like animals,
I like to ski, but not if I do fall, 
Eating some pasta as thin as a string,
These are a few of my favorite things! 

Top of stairs to bottom: Gretl, Marta, Brigitta, Kurt, Louisa, Fredrich, and Liesl

Name: Dawson Hilfiger
Age: 14

What character are you playing, and how old is your character?
Fredrich, 14

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?
It is more challenging than past musicals I have been in, and it helps improve my acting.

Do you like being in a musical with college students?
Yes.

What is your favorite song or scene in the show?
Edelweiss

Have you been in any other musicals?
Yes: The Jungle Book, The Pied Piper, Horton Hears a Who, Willy Wonka, and How to Eat Like a Child

What are some of your hobbies or other interests, aside from music?
Listening to music, playing guitar, and sketching

What are a few of your favorite things?  
I love to go to the beaches and concerts, 
I love eating chocolate, especially in desserts, 
Playing my guitar and plucking the strings,
These are a few of my favorite things!

**Stay tuned for more of Who's Who in the Sound of Music!**

 

Missed the first post about the Sound of Music?

Read it Now!

Want to see more of Who's Who?

Captain,

Liesl & Rolf, 

Max and Elsa,  

Sister Sophia, Margaretta, and Berthe, 

Frau Schmidt and Franz, 

Mother Abbess, 

Maria

Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Captain Georg von Trapp

Name: Derek Gracey

Year in School: Senior

Major(and minor): Music Education and Vocal Performance 

What character are you playing?  
Captain Georg von Trapp

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music? I have really enjoyed working with the other cast members. Danielle (Maria) and I are very good friends, so it has been a great experience to share the stage with her for our last show at Mansfield University. This is a great classic musical, and I am thrilled to be a part of it!

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part? I have had to work the hardest on being a strict military father who runs a no-nonsense household. In real life, I am a fun-loving and easy-going person, so this has been a little bit of a struggle for me. 

What is your favorite song or scene of the show? My favorite scene is when the Captain and Maria argue intensely. Then he hears his children singing and realizes what he's been missing.

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals? Yes! I was Rapunzel's Prince in Into the Woods, Herb Lee in My Favorite Year, and a chorus member in last year's production of The Drowsy Chaperone. I was also in Assassins at the Arcadia in Wellsboro. In addition to the musicals, I have also been very active in Mansfield's opera productions. 

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing? When I'm not at musical rehearsal you could probably find me in Butler practicing for something else! Between my solo repertoire and ensembles, I am kept very busy. I also direct the church choir at the First Baptist Church in Mansfield, which I enjoy very much! Aside from all of that, I really enjoy spending time with my friends in whatever ways possible! 

What are a few of your favorite things?

Music and singing, and laughing when falling 

Wing night with friends, after some volley balling 

Talking to friends whether it winter or spring, 

These are a few of my favorite things!

**Stay tuned for more of Who's Who in the Sound of Music!**

 

Missed the first post about the Sound of Music?

Read it Now!

Want to see more of Who's Who?

Liesl & Rolf, 

Max and Elsa,  

Sister Sophia, Margaretta, and Berthe, 

Frau Schmidt and Franz, 

Mother Abbess, 

Maria

The Wear-drobe

I recently have realized the massive amount of clothing and other accessories I own... Right now at school I manage to fill 2 entire closets, and still have to keep sweaters and several shoes in other storage places. I might do a tally of all the things I own- it would indeed be informative. Earlier this year I decided that I should attempt to wear my entire wardrobe, what good is a closet full of clothing if I never wear it all? Here are some pictures to help better understand what I have available to me- and how I organize it all! Recently I started organizing my clothes differently to help me know what I have worn. (I wish I had started taking pictures of all the outfits- but alas I did not) However, it's never too late to start- I might make a series called "the wear-drobe" containing different outfits from my closet! 

Wooden closet: Contains all tops (excluding sweaters and blazers), most of my shoes, jeans, shorts/capris and other casual pants.

Hangers: Not only color coded for easy retrieval, but now the direction the hanger faces tells me if it has been worn yet! 

Dress-up Closet: This closet contains all my dresses, dress pants, blazers, skirts, tights, underwear, bras, socks, pajamas, purses, hats, belts, and light weight scarves. I don't do the hanger method in this closet because I have an easier time remembering which ones I wore/didn't wear

Where do I keep the things that won't fit in my closet? Sometimes I move out of season clothes to a bin- where I usually keep winter coats. My sweaters hang out in a comfy three drawer organizer in the hallway near a basket of winter scarves, a full length mirror, and a small whiteboard that I keep the weather for the week on! My overflow shoes found their way under my bed into a closet shoe organizer tipped sideways.

All of these things, help me stay semi-organized, and are assisting in helping me complete my goal of wearing all the stuff in my closet, so I can turn my wear-drobe into a wore-drobe!

Flash Mob-Do Re Mi

What if the Sound of Music were to become a flash mob?

 It would look something like this!

Watch out Mansfield, we might have some smaller scale tricks up our sleeves.....
and there's No Way to Stop It! 

Not familiar with Mansfield's Production?
"Start at the very beginning... It's a very good place to start."

 

I'm on TV, and other exciting updates!

Rehearsals have finally started coming together! I am really excited for adding orchestra and mics and costumes and makeup! I can feel it in my bones that this is going to be a great show! I am bonding more with the kids every night, and feeling more like my character. I have been living and breathing sound of music lately, I feel bad because I am constantly asking people to run lines or critique my character during a song, etc. It is these things however, that will help make the difference between being a believable actress and actually becoming Maria!!

If you missed the first post see it here!
Don't foregt to check out the latest Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Liesl and Rolf!
Here are some pictures snagged from the Photo Bucket account!
Check out a few of our nifty costumes!

The TV crew made a commercial for the sound of music! Check it out below, like it on Youtube or Facebook! And don't forget to pre-order those tickets! One Week Until We Open!

Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Liesl & Rolf

 

Name: Daniela DiBenedetto (Pictured Far Right)

Year in School: Senior

Major(and minor): BM Music Industry: Business Administration and BM Vocal Performance

What character are you playing?

Liesl von Trapp

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?

I have loved this story and watched/acted out the movie since I was a little girl. I love having the opportunity to now bring it to life.  I really enjoy working with the children, especially being one of them, and just having fun.

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part?

What I have had to work the hardest at is remembering what it is like to feel 16 years old again. That is such a critical time/age in a persons life, and I have to remember what I was like and how I responded to things when I was 16.  Also, Liesl is the oldest sibling and spends most of the time leading the other children. I am not the oldest sibling in my family, so I really have to work hard at becoming the older sister to all of my new "von Trapp" children. :)

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?

This is hard because there are so many great scenes. I am really excited about singing and dancing to "Sixteen going on Seventeen" with Rolf and cannot wait to get started with it. Also, I am really looking forward to the "sleepover party" scene with the children and Maria while we all sing the "Lonely Goatherd" and have a pillow fight.

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals?

Yes. I was a dancer/chorus member in last years musical " The Drowsy Chaperone". I was one of the Coffee Cup girls/chorus member in the show before that "My Favorite Year" and I helped with stage crew my first year at Mansfield for the production of "Into the Woods".

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing?

Practicing my solo repetoire for my senior recital, working on homework, working out or working at the front desk at the Kelchner Fitness Center, spending time with my boyfriend, cooking, and talking to my Mother on the telephone.

What are a few of your favorite things?

Listening to music, and singing, and baking, 

dancing, and cooking, and some crochet making,

Sunshine and flowers, and fun coloring.

These are a few of my favorite things!

Name: Ian MacDonald

Year in School:Freshman

Major(and minor): Music Education and Vocal Performance

What character are you playing?

Rolf

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?

 I like being a part of such a well-known show. Most of my past musical experiences have been with ones that aren't well known.

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part?

The hardest thing for me is getting my lines correct without paraphrasing.

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?

My favorite song of the show would probably have to be the Hills are Alive.

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals?

No, this is my first Mansfield Musical.

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing?

I can usually be found in Butler in a practice room.

What are a few of your favorite things?

Legos and Duct Tape, and lots of fast Running,

Playing Piano, and Singing so Stunning,

Planking up on top of really high things. 

These are a few of my favorite things! 

**Stay tuned for more of Who's Who in the Sound of Music!**

Missed the first post about the Sound of Music? Read it Now!

Want to see more of Who's Who? Max and Elsa, Sister Sophia, Margaretta, and Berthe, Frau Schmidt and Franz, Mother Abbess, Maria

Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Max and Elsa

Name: Jarrod Miller
Year in School: Junior
Major (and Minor): Music Business: Business Administration and Vocal Performance

What part are you playing?
Playing Max Dettweiler

What is your favorite part about being in The Sound of Music?
My favorite part of being in the Sound of Music is that it is a very well known show. I have played the part of Captain von Trapp before in high school, and it is quite interesting to see the show from a different character’s perspective.

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part?
I’ve had to work the hardest at characterization, because as I’ve mentioned before, I have played a different role.

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?
My favorite part of the show would probably have to be when the captain hears his children sing after getting into an argument with Maria.

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals?
I was in My Favorite Year as Uncle Morty.

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing?
You could find me doing homework in my living room with my roommates.

What are a few of your favorite things?
Being with my friends, too many to name,
Playing all day with my Video Game,
Candles and football and music that rings,
These are a few of my favorite things!

Name: Sarah Taylor
Year in School: Senior
Major(and minor): Elementary Education and Special Education dual major with a music minor

What character are you playing? 
 Elsa Schraeder (The Baroness)

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?
I absolutely love this musical because my father use to watch it all the time when I was little. Being a part of the musical allows me to create an even deeper connection with this show which is something that I love about being in the show. Also, it is always a lot of fun to pretend to be someone else for a while and to escape into a world that someone has taken the time to write for you. It is always fun to challenge yourself to be someone different and to work with others attempting to do the same thing.

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part?
I sometimes find that I have to work hard at being flirtatious and forward in my intentions. She is a little more direct in her speaking than I usually care to be. Also, she is very opinionated and the only opinion out there is hers. I am a very opinionated person, but I do not push my opinions onto others as much as she tries to. These are my greatest challenges in becoming the Baroness.

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?
My favorite song/scene in the show is "No Way To Stop It". I love this scene because it is on a very serious topic however it is presented in a very playful manner. It's also my favorite because the tune is just so darn infectious.

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals?
I played the Giant in Into the Woods and I have been involved in several plays presented by the Arcadia.

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing?
When I'm not at rehearsal I can be found reading for classes, reading for fun, singing, laughing, and sleeping.

What are a few of your favorite things?
Knitting and Sleeping and Dreaming of Snow Days.
Bowling and Fishing and Reading by the Bay.
Coloring princesses with glittery rings.
These are a few of my favorite things.

**Stay tuned for more Who's Who in the Sound of Music!**
Did you miss the original post on the Sound of Music? Read it now!
Want to see more of Who's Who? Sister Sophia, Margaretta, and Berthe, Frau Schmidt and Franz, Mother Abbess, Maria

Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Sister Sophia, Margaretta, and Berthe

Arielle, Kim, Heather

Name: Arielle Book

Year in School: Sophomore

Major (and Minor): B.A. Music

What character are you playing?

Sister Sophia

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?

Singing lovely songs with my favorite people, and getting to wear a nun costume.

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part?

I've had to work hardest to find what my character wants. Does she want Maria to become a Novice, or does she have an opinion at all?

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?

My favorite song is definitely "Something Good". It's just so cute. My favorite scene is where Maria is confronting the Captain about not being involved in his children’s lives.

She goes through every child and just does it with such conviction and emotion.

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals?

This is my first Mansfield musical, but I have been in 2 shows in Wellsboro. This is actually only my third show ever!

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing?

If I’m not at musical, you can find me in Butler practicing piano or voice, or you can find me in my room doing homework. I live an exciting life, I know.

What are a few of your favorite things?

First kisses, laughter, and chocolate chip cookies.

Butterflies, fresh cut grass, TOMS, and my doggie.

Movies with people whom I love the most,

These are a few of my favorite things!

**************************************************************

Name: Kimberly Bemis

Year in School: junior

Major(and minor): Music Education, voice

What character are you playing?

Sister Margaretta

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?

I love having the opportunity to be in the cast. This is one of my favorite shows, and I just enjoy being able to live a childhood dream of being in this show(although when I was young I wanted to be Gretel)

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part?

I never realized how big of a challenge it would be to act like a nun, and yet give my character a unique personality. I have definitely learned to expand my skills as an actress from this experience.

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?

I would have to admit that my favorite song from the show is “Climb Every Mountain.”

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals?

This is my first time appearing in a Mansfield Musical.

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing?

I’m involved with ACDA, MENC, and SAI. I also sing in the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. A huge chunk of my free time is devoted to practicing.

What are a few of your favorite things?

Knitting, Crocheting, and Baking and Cooking,

Play-doh, and Coloring, and Being Good Looking,

In Color Guard with the flags that I fling,

These are a few of my favorite things!

 

**************************************************************

Name: Heather Sitek

Year in School: Junior

Major: BA in Music

Minor: Studio Art

What character are you playing?

Sister Berthe

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?

Well it was one of my grandmother's favorite musicals and because she has passed on I thought it would be a nice thing to do for her. Also I love being on stage again.

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part?

Being meaner or more aggressive? I tend to play comical roles and this is a nice change for me, it is a challenge.

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?

Favorite song by far is the Lonely Goatherd, just because the puppets are really funny and I wish that I could yodel.

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals?

My last Mansfield musical was My Favorite Year, which was pretty awesome. I've done a few shows at the Arcadia Theatre in Wellsboro such as Sunday in the Park with George (as the Mrs.) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (as Rona Lisa Peretti). I've been performing for 15 years now and this will be my 11th year appearing in a musical. I've done a lot of musicals including Oklahoma (as Vivian), Annie Jr. (as Ms. Hannigan), Grease (as Marty), Seussical (as Sour Kangaroo), and my personal favorite Sweeney Todd (as the Beggar Woman). I've done numerous others and I do hope to continue participating in them, especially in Mansfield's musicals.

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing?

Singing or sketching. Playing video games :) I also enjoy just relaxing and listening to music. Most likely you'll see me in Upper Manser with my brotherhood Eta Beta Tau. We're nerds.

What are a few of your favorite things?

Singing and Sketching and Video Games,

Listening to Music and Painting the same,

Dancing all day, and the dreams that it brings,

These are a few of my favorite things!

**Stay tuned for more of Who's Who in the Sound of Music!**

Missed the first post about the Sound of Music? Read it Now!

Want to see more of Who's Who? Frau Schmidt and Franz, Mother Abbess, Maria

Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Frau Schmidt and Franz

Name: Beth Bentley

Year in School: Junior

Major(and minor): B.A. Music Major, Child Welfare Minor

What character are you playing? 

Frau Schmidt

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music? 
Being involved with the Sound of Music has given me the opportunity to take part in a large scale musical, which is something I’ve never had the chance to do before.  This musical is at an entirely different caliber than what you would see at the high school level.  I have enjoyed working on my acting skills and seeing a college level production from the other side.

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part? 
I’ve had to work on my acting..a lot! My role does not have any songs, so I am mainly an acting character in this musical.  Therefore, my main focus has been improving my acting skills and conveying the right messages and emotions through my words and actions.

What is your favorite song or scene of the show? 
One of my favorite scenes would have to be where Maria teaches the children “Do-Re-Mi.”  It’s so great to see the Von Trapp children being able to learn and enjoy music again!

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals? 
I haven’t! That is why one of my favorite parts of being involved with this musical would be the sheer joy that comes from being involved with something at a higher level than you have ever had the chance to be a part of and experience.

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing? 
While not at musical rehearsal, you can find me working in the Wal-Mart Deli, hustling to and from classes, practicing, singing with the Concert Choir or Mansfieldians, doing homework, and being involved with Sigma Alpha Iota Professional Music Fraternity, serving as the chapter’s Editor.

What are a few of your favorite things?

Dogs with blue collars named George in my backyard
Sisters to sing with and songs that aren’t too hard
Mac Salad to eat when I am hungry
These are a few of my favorite things! 

Name: Matt McGahey
Year in School: Junior
Major: Music Education (Voice)


What character are you playing?
Franz


What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music?
I just like working on the show, honestly. It is fun to be cast and get to pick apart a character and then portray them…it is a challenge, but I enjoy it.


What have you had to work the hardest at with your part?
Just figuring out how to deliver my lines in context of the scenes. I had to work on his back-story quite a bit as well in order to interpret the lines and how to say them. So I would say interpreting the lines has probably been the most difficult part of this character.


What is your favorite song or scene of the show?
I can’t say I have a favorite, but I enjoy any song or scene with the kids. It’s just fun to watch them and listen to them sing.


Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals?
I was in last year’s show, the Drowsy Chaperone, and I played George.


When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing?
I’m usually very busy doing homework, practicing, involved in other organizations (MTO and ACDA mostly), or working. When I’m not doing any of those things, I generally am with my friends or just trying to relax a bit.


What are a few of your favorite things?
Swimming, and Sailing and being a beach bum,
Music, and Singing, and acting is so fun,
Spending all day with my friends just hanging,
These are a few of my favorite things!

**Stay tuned for more of Who's Who in the Sound of Music!**

Missed the first post about the Sound of Music? Read it Now!

Want to see more of Who's Who? Mother Abbess, Maria

Sing-in-tux

Every Valentine's Day, Phi Mu Alpha (men's music fraternity) hosts a fundraiser called: Sing-in-Tux. They sell serenades, and then at a set date, all 20 or so of them dress in tuxes and hunt down the recipients and sing to them! It's a lovely tradition, that I have been blessed to partake in each year since I was a Freshman! I have a few videos from some of the serenades, including this years' which happened today! 

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year (no video)

Junior Year

Senior Year

And this year I got one for my Mom for her birthday! 

The boys sang to her over the phone!

Watch some more videos of Sing-in-tux :)

I feel like the luckiest ever to have received so many lovely serenades!
Thanks for the last 4 years Phi Mu Alpha, you and your singing will always hold a special place in my heart! 

Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Mother Abbess

Name: Amanda Coughenour

Year in School: Freshman

Major(and minor): Music Education, Voice

What character are you playing? 

Mother Abbess

What is your favorite part about being in the Sound of Music? 

I love the talent every one has! I was in the nun choir my Freshman year in High School, and the difference between that small cast and this huge production is astounding.  The choir gives me chills every time. 

What have you had to work the hardest at with your part? 

The end of Climb Ev'ry Mountain.  I'm a low Mezzo, and even though those notes should be the top of my "comfy range," they still scare me.  At least they don't hurt anymore!

What is your favorite song or scene of the show? 

"How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria" has always been my favorite song, but I really like the scene where the Captain and Maria dance and fall in love. 

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals? 

This is my first Mansfield musical! I've been in The Sound of Music, a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast, The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, and Peggy in Godspell in High School.  I'm also a member of the Bedford County Players, being in 3 musical revues and Nuncrackers (The Christmas show of Nunsense).  This is my third time playing a nun!

When you aren't at musical rehearsal what could we find you doing? 

Homework! I also practice (though probably not as much as I should). I'm a member of ACDA, MENC, and I'm an SAI Member-In-Training.  Oh, I'm kind of addicted to Tumblr, too.

What are a few of your favorite things?

Star Wars and Books, and I love Doctor Who,

John and Hank Green whom I watch on Youtube,

Super fun snow days that the winter brings,

These are a few of my favorite things!

**Stay tuned for more of Who's Who in the Sound of Music!**

Missed the first post about the Sound of Music? Read it Now!

Want to see more of Who's Who? Maria