The hills are still alive, enduring

Columbia, Md (Map, News) - In the ever expanding stable of staged musicals, Rogers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” is like a prize-winning thoroughbred — pampered, revered and above all, taken out and exercised daily.

Critiques of this icon, performed somewhere, someplace in this country at any given point in time, abound.

The notion of negativity or cynicism toward a story that sugar coats dark Nazi overtones (or toward the upbeat songs from the squeaky-clean, eternally optimistic characters) is tantamount to arguing the validity of fireworks on the Fourth of July.

At Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia, where the musical runs through mid-February, one thing is abundantly clear — the audiences, via deafening rounds of applause, want it.

Furthermore, like the Austrian-inspired buffet served prior to the show, they just can't get enough.

Even when told by the pre-show announcer that they may laugh and cry but may not sing along, they nod willingly.

Unlike Toby’s Baltimore Dinner Theatre with its expansive proscenium stage, the venue in Columbia presents shows in the round.

This poses obvious restraints on scenery and set pieces — not to mention a cramped space in which to choreograph dance numbers.

Undaunted, however, director/choreographer Samn Huffer cleverly utilizes every inch of space that includes three balconies. Viewers are required to let their imaginations soar.

If indeed there is a person living who has not heard of the “The Sound of Music”, based on the book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the story follows the adventures of a young Austrian nun who is sent as governess to seven unruly children of an embittered widower, Captain von Trapp.

Maria’s zest for life and love of singing wins the hearts of the children and eventually the heart of their father.

This Walton family-like abundance of love and courage enables the von Trapps to climb every mountain and flee the Nazi takeover of their beloved Austria.

The musical — whenever and wherever mounted — possesses the holy trinity of a hit: a heartwarming story, an enduring musical score (Climb Every Mountain, Do-Re-Me, Edelweiss) and children.

Toby’s cast (especially a show-stopping performance by Lisa Carrier as the Mother Abbess) was, for the most part, up to the task of keeping a legend alive.

IF YOU GO

The Sound of Music

Venue: Toby’s Columbia Dinner Theatre, 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia

When: Now through Feb. 17, 2008

Tickets: $30 to $49.25

Info: Call 410-730-8311