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Eighth-grader Grayson Thompson has performed in numerous Greensboro Day School theater productions since he was in second grade. When he heard the school would be producing “The Sound of Music,” he knew he wanted to be a part of the excitement.

“I love acting very much, so it was an easy decision to try out for ‘The Sound of Music,’ ” he said.
Greensboro Day School will present “The Sound of Music” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25-27 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 28. The production is open to the community. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students.

Grayson won the coveted part of Captain von Trapp. He has been working hard memorizing his lines and learning the music he will sing and play on the guitar.

“Since I have more lines in this show than in any other show I have done, I’m having to learn my part as much as possible ahead of time,” Grayson said. “I think that will help me later in life remember not to procrastinate on projects and papers.”

A seventh- and eighth-grade production, the performance is being directed by Beth Dunbar, an English and dramatic arts teacher. Robert Matthews serves as music director, Dana Lowell is technical director, and numerous parent volunteers, including costume manager Pam Attayek, are helping put the show together.

“Our production would not be the success that it is each year without the support and time given by so many of our parents and teachers,” Dunbar said.

She described directing middle school students as exciting but sometimes chaotic.

“Their energy and enthusiasm are charming, but keeping them focused is a challenge,” she said. “Something magical always happens on opening night as these bouncy puppies are transformed, and the curtain opens to reveal talented, focused middle school performers who look and act far beyond their years.”

Eighth-grader Ellie Dougherty is playing the role of Maria and also has performed in several Greensboro Day productions, as well as shows at the Interlochen Center for the Arts.

“I have always loved to act and sing, so that is the main reason why I auditioned for this production,” she said. “Also, ‘The Sound of Music’ is such a fun show, and I felt I had to be a part of some of the fun.”

Ellie said she is especially enjoying the opportunity to work with Robert Matthews on her vocal techniques.

“I have not had the opportunity for voice lessons, and his teachings have helped me tremendously,” she said.

Dunbar sees being a part of the production, whether on stage or behind the scenes, as a great learning experience for all involved. The school’s sixth-graders will perform “Starmites” in May.

“Students who are encouraged to develop their creative side are more successful with their other academics,” she said. “Being a part of a show teaches a student responsibility, cooperation, focus and empathy.”

Dunbar said she believes the production will be something families and those of all ages will enjoy.
“On opening night, the audience will see focused, talented and mature actors who perform more like high school students than middle school students,” she said. “Middle schoolers are enchanting on stage, and I feel the community will thoroughly enjoy the show.”

Contact Jennifer Atkins Brown at 574-5582 or jennifer. brown@news-record.com