This March, the Bob Jones University Concert, Opera & Drama Series will perform “The Sound of Music,” a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. 

“The Sound of Music” is set in Austria in 1938, right before World War II. A synopsis on the BJU Showpass describes the plot: “An exuberant young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power.”

The plot of “The Sound of Music” was based on “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” a 1949 memoir written by Maria Augusta von Trapp. Although the musical differs some from the original memoir, “The Sound of Music” is a powerful tale of love, singing, and family, chronicled during a pivotal moment in global history.  

Mr. Jeffrey Stegall, the show’s director and a BJU theatre professor, has worked with the BJU Theatre Department for 40 years.  

Mrs. Laura Brundage, the Department Head of Vocal Studies, plays Elsa in the production. She said this is her first time working under Mr. Stegall as a director.  

“He has been encouraging, inspiring and very helpful,” Mrs. Brundage said. “He definitely provides a positive and safe creative atmosphere for rehearsals.” 

Mr. Stegall’s experience with directing includes several operas, but “The Sound of Music” is his first musical theatre production to direct. He noted it would be a different experience for him because “not everything from the opera process translates into this genre.” 

Although the University has produced numerous musicals, “The Sound of Music” is unique as “the first BJU production of a musical from the Golden Age of Broadway,” said Miss Joanie Pegram, a music teacher at Bob Jones Academy who plays the part of Mother Abbess. She added that it is also “a personal favorite from my childhood.”

Mr. Stegall pointed out, “This show has more children (played by children) as principal characters than any other show we’ve ever done. Our von Trapp children are very fun!” 

The actress for Liesl, the eldest von Trapp child, is Kelsey Campbell, a sophomore music major, said it’s been great working with the child actors and being available to help them when needed. 

“It’s helped me think less of myself but more about them and making sure they have the most enjoyable experience,” Campbell said. 

Olivia Gamet, 11, plays Brigitta, the fifth oldest von Trapp child. She said she was familiar with the musical before being cast in the play, but it’s been a little different than what she expected. 

“I knew it would be hard and lots of work, but I didn’t know it would be this much work,” she said. But, “It’s so fun to get to do this with some friends and getting to meet new people.” 

Mrs. Brundage said that having child actors in the play has brought energy, fun and surprises to every rehearsal.  

“It’s like having my kids at rehearsal,” she said. “They keep it real and make it fun.” 

The cast’s favorite parts of “The Sound of Music”

With such a well-known story, Mr. Stegall and members of the cast also have their favorite parts of the musical.  

“Well, since my wife is in the nuns’ chorus, I’ll be in trouble at home if I don’t say that my favorite part of the process is rehearsing the nun scenes!” Mr. Stegall said. “They really are a fun bunch!” 

Miss Pegram enjoys the chance to act with her students, current and former. “I have students in the cast and orchestra . . . it’s fun to see them shine and to get to do it together.” She later mentioned “[loving] that we see a glimpse into [Mother Abbess’s] childhood when she sings ‘My Favorite Things’ with Maria.” 

Campbell’s favorite part of playing Liesl is “getting to have a flirtatious and spunky personality.” She says, “playing the part has been such a wonderful role!” 

Olivia enjoys “getting to have a talkative personality in the play.” Her character of Brigitta is known for being honest, even if that means being blunt about it. 

Varied levels of acting experience

The cast collectively has varied experiences with theatre. Kelsey, though only a sophomore, is already in her second BJU production.  

Mrs. Brundage was involved in numerous productions, including a Vespers play when she was young. She said Dr. Darren Lawson, formerly the dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication, “had to pick me up and swing me in a circle. That was a long time ago!” The last show she was in before “The Sound of Music” was acting in the role of Beth in BJU’s production of “Little Women: the Broadway Musical” in 2016.

Miss Pegram has been involved in six Bob Jones University productions. Her most prominent role prior to this one was the soprano part of the ugly stepsister Clorinda in 2003 and again in 2016 in the University’s production of the opera “La Cenerentola.” 

These are a few of their favorite songs

Cast members mentioned classic songs like “So Long, Farewell,” “Edelweiss,” and “The Lonely Goatherd,” as among their favorites.  

Kelsey said she loves the reprise of “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” that she sings with Maria. 

“It’s such a beautiful mother and daughter moment,” she said. 

Mrs. Brundage said, “I also love hearing the nuns sing, but I’m a voice nerd and a choir director, so Latin and choirs are my jam.”   

Miss Pegram said she counts it a privilege to sing the soaring rendition of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” 

“The music is glorious; I have loved rehearsing it with the orchestra,” she said. 

“The Sound of Music” will be performed March 13-15 in Rodeheaver Auditorium. Tickets are available now on Showpass.