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

Who's Who in the Sound of Music: Maria

Right now my life is all about the Sound of Music! So why shouldn't my blog be? I want to start a series called "Who's Who in the S.o.M." and each post will feature a different character, or person involved. It will include some information about them and their experience with the show! The first featured character is Maria, my character! Didn't see the original post about the show? Click here!

Name: Danielle Montgomery

Year in School: Senior

Major(and minor): Music Education and Vocal Performance

What character are you playing? 

Maria Rainer

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

It is really hard to pick one favorite part, but so far I have really enjoyed working with the children. They bring this amazing energy to the stage; being a college student you can't always find it after a full day of classes.

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

Aside from a lot of memorizing lines and songs, it has been hard for me to try to "live up" to the classic movie everyone has playing in their heads. My plan is to make this part my own, and bring something special to it that will help the audience accept her as a new character. 

What is your favorite song or scene of the show?

I am really partial to emotional scenes, so I would have to say my favorite is when Maria loses it and yells at the Captain. There is something so irresistible about a stage full of tension!

Have you been in any other Mansfield Musicals?

Yes I have. Since freshman year I have been participating in the musicals, including: Into the Woods, as Cinderella; My Favorite Year, Chorus; The Drowsy Chaperone, as Kitty; and now The Sound of Music, as Maria! I have also been involved with musicals at Arcadia Theatre in Wellsboro, PA.

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

Well as most of you know, Blogging. Other than that, practicing and studying. I also am a member of ACDA, MENC, MTO and SAI, and spend some of my time doing things with those organizations. I try to spend most of my 'free time' with friends.

What are a few of your favorite things?

Strawberries, Scrapbooking, Blogging and  Truffles;

Candles and Sharpies and Dresses with Ruffles;

Sunshine that warms up a cold day in spring, 

These are a few of my favorite things!

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

The Hills are Alive

Dear Readers,

I feel bad that I haven't been able to post as frequently, I have been keeping myself very busying learning the role of Maria Rainer in The Sound of Music. Friends and Family have been asking me to give them more information and updates with how it is coming along, and about the production in general! So here are some basic questions answered: Who, What, Where, When, Why?

Who is in the show?
The Sound of Music Cast!
Pictures and videos are available of our rehearsals online to follow our progress! 

MARIA RAINER – Danielle Montgomery
THE MOTHER ABBESS – Amanda Coughenour
SISTER BERTHE, MISTRESS OF NOVICES – Heather Sitek
SISTER MARGARETTA, MISTRESS OF POSTULANTS – Kimberly Bemis
SISTER SOPHIA – Arielle Book
CAPTAIN GEORG VON TRAPP – Derek Gracey
FRANZ – Matt McGahey
FRAU SCHMIDT – Beth Bentley
LIESL VON TRAPP – Daniela DiBenedetto
ROLF GRUBER – Ian MacDonald
ELSA SCHRAEDER – Sarah Taylor
URSULA – Arlene Boruchowitz
MAX DETWEILER – Jarrod Miller
HERR ZELLER – Kevin Malmrose
BARON ELBERFELD – Zack Minnier
BARONESS ELBERFELD – Rebecca Martz
A NEW POSTULANT – Rose Boone
ADMIRAL VON SCHREIBER – Joseph Izzo

NEIGHBORS OF CAPTAIN VON TRAPP, NUNS, NOVICES, POSTULANTS & CONTESTANTS AT THE FESTIVAL CONCERT

Corina Aucker, Geoffrey Baker, Carly Bechdel, Cole Black,
Lindsay Brown , Anna Buglio, Rochelle Carlisle,Amanda Clark,
Katie Cormier, Natalie Crosby, Kevin Drew, Morgan DuBrey,
Brienne Early , Benjamin Eisenhour, Sarah Eline ,Arianna Emenheiser,
Aaron Frager , Tabitha Gallagher, Tim Harmon,Ashley Jackson,
Kathryn Janower, Jeffrey Johnson ,TJ Maro, Christine Masucci,
Katelyn Muirhead, Danielle Murray ,Amanda Ritter, Samantha Roberts,
Sara Robbins ,Jessica Ryerson ,Tara Shumaker, Justina Secrhrist,
Emily Shosh, Gloria Trost, Erika VanGorden ,Tim Wilbourn,
John Wilshire, Katelyn Wright

Student Directors: Kathleen Kelly and Lindsay Brown 

What is the show about?
The show is based on the Von Trapp Family, and the not so true story of how Maria came into the family and brought music back into their lives. The real story varies from the show, but Rodgers and Hammerstein came up with a lovely uplifting version of the story, that has become a classic in the homes of many Americans! For more details on the musical story click here, for a movie trailer of the show(Julie Andrews version) click here!

Where is it showing?
Straughn Auditorium, Mansfield University.
Get directions here!


When is the show?
Thursday, March 1- 8pm
Friday, March 2nd - 8pm
Saturday, March 3rd - 8pm
Sunday, March 4th- 2pm

Tickets will be available at the door.
ADULTS $12, SENIORS/STUDENTS $10/Children 12 and under $6/MU students FREE with valid ID
Tickets can be purchased in advance! < right side of the page, click on the day & purchase online! 

Why come see the show?
This show is not only a classic, but sends a good message to the whole family. It offers an inspiring story about a father reconnecting with his children, the fun and games of mischievous children and their unconventional governess, and most importantly the lesson that music has the power to change lives.

Why come see our show?
Everyone in the cast is very talented, the pit sounds amazing-even our Mayor is going to play his harp for the show, the Nun's choir was invited to sing in Carnegie Hall's production of the Sound of Music, our set is looking more and more wonderful each day, and the costumes will be brilliant as always! Not to mention, we believe in our show, in the message it sends, and are committed to making this a very real experience for the audience!

For more info check out the Facebook Event!

Have a happy end to your week! Thanks for reading!
-Danielle

Strauss meets the 21st Century

So for Song Literature class we are doing projects on composers. Mine is Richard Strauss.

I decided instead of making a powerpoint..... I would make this crazy linked up timeline! (Not everything I want on there is up yet- just what I could do in a few hours of today) Let me know what you think, and if you are in the class- feel free to explore but get ready to see it all again in class on Wednesday!

The Life and Music of Richard Strauss on Dipity.

Tomato Soup Redefined

When you are trying to eat healthy, or spending your days dieting eating can get boring and tricky. Many healthy recipes call for the skills of a chef! Here is one that was shared with me by Kate Burke, my almost sister, and it couldn't be more simple! If you are on the 17 day diet it can be eaten on any cycle, and if you aren't on the 17 day diet, try it anyhow- it's delicious!!

Recipe: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

1 12oz Can of Diced Tomatoes (the kind seasoned with basil, garlic, and oregano)
1 6oz serving of Plain Greek Yogurt
A bit of Fat Free Parmesan Cheese

Take all ingredients and blend in a blender- (I use the blend or liquify setting).
Heat up the blended soup over the stove!
Garnish with fresh basil if desired!
Eat and Enjoy some guilt free creamy soup! (stores well in fridge)

Like I said, it literally couldn't be more simple!
Happy Healthy Eating! 

*dedicated to all my lovely SAI sisters who are watching their waistlines*

MULE

So this is my first week back at school, with all new classes. Everything has been going well thus far, and I am pretty excited about a few classes I am in. I am really excited about my Intro to Music Tech class, seeing as I really am clueless about a lot of technology! During the first class we went over the course briefly, took a survey, and then Dr. Walters talked to us about MULE. Mansfield University Laptop Ensemble. Crazy, Right?! Basically combining a bunch of different smartphones and other devices Dr. Wetzel wants to lead a group of students in creating an electronic group. I think this is so super fascinating, and I really want to try it out! Here is a video Dr. Walters showed us in Music Tech to give us some idea of what it might be like...

So if you think this is awesome, and go to Mansfield, consider joining! (He will talk more about it at Promenade today)

good ideas for a good day!

Happy First Day Back To School-Mansfield!

I have always loved first days. Of school, of a new year, of a new job, of anything. They offer this feeling of excitement and hope. I believe that I usually make a bigger deal of my first day of school in the fall, but I felt bad leaving my winter first day- out in the cold (pun intended). Here is a post of wonderful winter ideas to celebrate a new beginning for us all. 

Idea 1:

restyle that scarf!

Check out this video posted at Ruche for 3 easy but new ways to style your scarf!

Or watch the video below! 

Idea 2:

 don't be friends with Jack Frost!

 Ice Proofing the Car Windows 

What you need:

Spray Bottle

2/3 Vinegar

1/3 water

Just spray on windows and ice will melt away!

Idea 3:

recycle the sweaters that you won't wear!

Learn how to turn a cozy sweater into even cozier mittens!

 Idea 4:

Keep your feet nice and dry!

Learn How and Why 

you should waterproof those shoes this winter!

 Idea 5:

Reorganize your space! 

  Take another tip from Ruche 

and reorganize, and clean your closet! 

Did mine yesterday- (pictures to come)

That is all of the good ideas I could muster up this morning, but there are so many more out there. Take today to think of a few ways to improve your lifestyle for this new beginning!