New York City
Doug Elkins brings a kinetic twist to “The Sound of Music”, re-assembling its songs and iconic moments with his signature grace and wit. Rather than a dance retelling of the famous story, Fraulein Maria embraces the wonderful score by Rodgers & Hammerstein as inspiration for movement. In its new iteration, which includes a folk dance take on “Something Good”, and the incorporation of some of the musical’s orchestral interludes, Elkins’ irreverent sketches create a charming holiday show filled with urban flair. For Elkins, “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” is a flirtatious romp; “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” is an anthem, not unlike “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, Sondheim’s “Being Alive” or even Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”; “The Lonely Goatherd” is transformed into a whimsical quartet; and “Do-Re-Mi” is taken to intriguing extremes as the dancers forge a collective memory-a belief in song, country and freedom of choice.