By Regina Hinkley
The Sound of Music, Community Players in Beatrice, Thursday June 5, 2025
“Maria, these walls were not meant to shut out problems. You have to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live.”
Opening up the program of The Sound of Music at the Community Players Theater on Ella Street in Beatrice, you’re immediately greeted with a director’s note that acknowledges just how much of a classic this musical is. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music is no easy feat, and any theater that chooses to put on this piece has an immense amount of pressure behind them. Who can live up to Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and the classic 1965 film? As it turns out, The Beatrice Community Players and director Tyler J. Rinne can, and they bring their A game to this production.
The first thing to notice about this show is the immense amount of love put into the set. The backdrop is painted beautifully with the mountainous scenery, and the design, done by Tyler J. Rinne and constructed/painted by a variety of people, enhanced the setting of the play wonderfully. The costumes, designed by Jean Spilker, were something else, too. Having to clothe over what seems to be at least 25 people is such an amazing feat, and many of the elaborate costumes present on stage were only there for one scene, or even a few seconds. Major props to every member of the backstage crew, and the technical professionals who brought this piece to life. The music direction in this production is also phenomenal. Kaleb Wilkening (music director) and the other musicians were present on stage 100% of the time, with the actors often being conducted by Wilkening in the moment in front of the audience, but that quickly fades to the background and becomes barely noticeable.
And when considering the sheer amount of life this musical has, I would be remiss not to highlight the actress playing Maria, Anna Erikson. Paired up with Captain von Trapp, played by Geoffrey Ramsey, the two of them were an unstoppable force on stage. Their voices complimented each other beautifully, and their chemistry was palpable. But the true shining stars of the show were the lovely young actors and actresses playing the von Trapp children. Anna Metzger took on a beast of role, bringing a lot of heart and soul to the oldest sibling, Liesl, and the rest were just as passionate and talented. Jonah Erikson reveled in the awkward charm of Friedrich, and Marie Erikson and Henry Erikson leaned into the comedic sibling dynamic of Louisa and Kurt. This production does utilize split casting for the roles of Brigitta (Esther Rose Colbert/Autumn Marinovich), Marta (Linley McConnell/Rosalie Erikson), and Gretl (Patricia Francis/Betsy Sutphin). I saw the Thursday/Saturday cast, but I have no doubt that the other young ladies in this piece were just as good. Patricia Francis is particularly responsible for making my heart melt several times throughout the show; many audible “aww”s were heard from the audience multiple times during the show. The group of them made a particularly formidable group, who were always impressive with their voices and youthful energy. And I would like to give a special shout out to every woman who played a nun in this show; their voices together during the choral moments were absolutely gorgeous and simply a treat to listen to.
Overall, this production was 100% worth the drive I made from Lincoln. My friend and I were also sitting next to a group of young individuals who seemed as if they were experiencing The Sound of Music for the first time, which was a delight. It reminded me of the magic of live theatre and just how much joy can be found in the world around us, even in something as simple as the hills.
If you know where to look.
If you go: The Sound of Music runs from June 5-8 and 12-15 at 7:30 pm (the 8th and the 15th are matinees at 2 pm) in the Community Players Theatre in Beatrice and has proscenium seating. When you’re purchasing tickets and deciding seats, be rest assured that all seats in the house are good. Tickets are $15 for students and $22 for adults and can be purchased at https://www.beatricecommunityplayers.com/the-sound-of-music
Regina Hinkley is a theatre student at the Johnny Carson School of Theater and Film at UNL. She is a playwright, performer, and avid enjoyer of theater of all kinds
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