PACE Center presents ‘The Sound of Music’

Cast reflects on production

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For many, “ e Sound of Music” may seem like an old-fashioned story about a singing family, but for the actors and crew, it means much more as they take on the 1965 classic in Parker.

Jenna Pearce will be playing the main character, Maria Rainer. Portraying this role is meaningful to Pearce as her rst professional show was “ e Sound of Music” when she played Marta Von Trapp at eight years old.

“Some roles feel like soul matches,” said Pearce. “It felt so natural to say her words and sing her songs.” e line, “ at you have to look for your life,” means the most to Pearce.

As many storylines and characters are ctional in musicals, Pearce’s favorite part about being in “ e Sound of Music ‘’ is being able to tell a nostalgic story and pay respect to the people’s lives the cast are telling as well as having a connection to humanity.

“Regardless of age, regardless of life circumstances, you just have to look for it, it’s not just going to happen and I think that’s something, especially in our current climate that you never know what’s going to happen,” said Pearce. “We are starting to see history repeat itself and I think it’s a really important story to tell that a lot of people think it’s a cute story about a signing family and not realizing the high stakes this is for this family and what they leave behind and the friends who sacri ce themselves for this family to be able to live on.” ere are those who do not know about this part of history and having the opportunity to tell this educational story is also important to August Stoten.

Stoten is revisiting his role as Captain Georg Von Trapp after six years.

“I kind of like just having that whole transformation where in the beginning, he’s this bitter guy who lost his wife, there is no more fun in the house and she (Maria) comes around and brings that back out of him,” said Stoten.

As a two-time Henry Award nominee, Stoten has been a part of the Parker Arts for years, whether it’s performing in shows or directing them with Sasquatch Productions.

For married couple, Lindsey and Adam Kinney, they have been doing shows at the PACE Center since 2014 and “ e Sound of Music” will be their 13th show together.

Lindsey as Elsa Schraeder and Adam as Max Detweiler are excited to get the chance to sing together on stage and to create a magical experience for all types of audiences.

Each production includes a sensory-friendly performance which the Kinney’s have performed in before.

“We are grateful for that opportunity to cater to everyone,” said Lindsey. “Because it’s not only great for sensory kids, but also young kids. So, it’s a great way to introduce the littles to the theater.”

“We have student matinees also,” said Adam. “Feeling like you have the chance to be someone’s rst theater-going experience is super powerful.” e show would not be possible if it weren’t for the director, Kelly McAllister. Along with Stoten, McAllister created Sasquatch Productions and has been directing shows at the PACE Center since 2016.

McAllister said it’s been a slow process getting back to full capacity after the pandemic, but he is looking forward to “ e Sound of Music” as he has fond memories of the movie with his family.

Auditions began in the summer, which according to McAllister was the hardest part.

“You want to nd people that can sing the songs, can dance the dances, act the parts and on top of that, they can work well together and have an attitude that’s going to encourage the best in everyone,” said McAllister.

As the cast and crew prepared during the fall, they are ready to perform. e show runs at the PACE Center in Parker through Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.