Sophia Acts Opposite Her Mom In 'Sound Of Music'Jennie Sophia once again stars as Maria in Wagon Wheel Theatre's production of "The Sound of Music".
What's different this time around is that her biological mother is playing Mother Abbes in the musical.
"It's been a dream to do it. She's played Mother Abbes before, and I've played Maria, but we've never done a show together. There's a fun chemistry just by her being my mother and hearing her several times give the speeches about confidence," Sophia said during an interview Thursday morning.When Sophia previously played Maria at the Wagon Wheel, it was her first Christmas show at the theater. The second time around, the lines and song lyrics came a lot faster to her.
She said it also makes for a great Christmas show for the whole family.
"It's all about family. It's about a father finding his children again. It's about children learning to sing and have fun, and opening their father's eyes again. It's about finding your dreams and overcoming obstacles," Sophia said.
In Maria's journey alone, Sophia said, audiences get to see all of the obstacles Maria has to overcoming. Those obstacles include fear itself and what others are saying about her. Her journey is about the power of love.
Because "The Sound of Music" is set during the start of the Adolf Hitler and Nazi regime, Sophia said, audiences will see the power of everything going on and the chaos surrounding the family. They'll also see the power of family.
Currently, the U.S. economic is in a slump and the unemployment rate is high. Sophia said she can see how today's situation is similar to that during Hitler's rise. People have a lot of fear and obstacles to overcome.
"It's heightened my passion more. I just love to infuse hope in people and I think this story does that with the power of love," Sophia said.
Playing Liesl, one of the Von Trapp children, is Warsaw Community High School freshman Hannah Bishop.
Bishop auditioned for "The Sound of Music" the last time it was at the Wagon Wheel. She didn't get cast. But it remained a dream of hers to be in the show.
"I think it's a really good family show," said Bishop. "The kids can come and enjoy it all with the adults."
"Scott's really gone after the story," said Sophia. "He's strengthened the dramatic moments."
If nothing else, Sophia said, audiences should see the show for the children. They are all adorable, she said.
The music is just classic, Sophia said.
"I love all of them, but one of my favorites is 'I Have Confidence.' The journey she takes in it is thrilling. She overcomes fear and it just gets you excited," Sophia said.
"So Long, Farewell" is Bishop's favorite song from the show, she said. "We just have so much fun in that song," Bishop said.
"The Sound of Music" isn't the first show Bishop and Sophia were in together. When Sophia played "Cinderella," Bishop was one of the townspeople. Bishop said she watches the other actors like Sophia to learn more of the craft.
"She is amazing first of all," Bishop said of Sophia. "She's always happy."
"That's because I love what I do. I'm very thankful for what I do," said Sophia.
"I watch everyone and try to pick up things," said Bishop.
"It's a collaborative effort. And when you hit your mark, it draws everyone up to that place. It's seeing it and doing it and calling everyone right up to you. It's about the team moments, and the show can't go on without the team moments. It's always watching and listening and embracing the character," said Sophia.
Playing Maria for a second time at the Wagon Wheel, Sophia said she's embracing her role a little more. There's more detail in her performance, she's getting into Maria's head more.
Since "The Sound of Music" is Bishop's third show at the Wagon Wheel, she is getting more chances and learning more and meeting more actors.
"Everyone's a family," Bishop said. "Every time we've been here, it's just a good environment. It also gives me the feeling of being in a professional theater, even though I'm five minutes from my house."
"The Sound of Music" is at the Wagon Wheel tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.; Dec. 11-12 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.; Dec. 18-19 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices are $12 for children, $16 for students and $30 for adults. Group pricing starts at $19 for 15 or more people. For tickets, call 574-267-8041; toll free at 866-823-2618; or visit online at www.wagonwheeltheatre.com
