CM students present ‘The Sound of Music’

Center Moriches High School’s theater spring production of “The Sound of Music” was in celebration of both the high school’s first production in the newly renovated auditorium and the 60th anniversary of the movie.

The cast and crew began working on the production in November after auditions were held in October. They held three showings on Feb. 27 and 28 and March 1, as well as a dress rehearsal with IGHL in attendance.

“We are thrilled to bring the timeless joy of ‘The Sound of Music’ to our community,” said superintendent Dr. Soto. “This production celebrates music, family, and the magic of storytelling on stage.”

The main leads from the show include James Shelton (Captain Von Trapp), Dylan Davis (Max Dettweiller), Mateo Silva (Rolf), Keira Sckipp (Mother Abbess), Quinn Walther (Liesl Von Trapp), Jaxson Wylie (Friedrich Von Trapp), Finnley Coonan (Brigitta Von Trapp), Kent Davis (Kurt Von Trapp), Nora Redding (Marta Von Trapp), and Mackenzie Mangogna (Gretl Von Trapp).

The production also included director Nancy Harkin, assistant director Pat Campbell, music director Phil LoPinto, and choreographers Katie Lemmen and Anna Morceri. In charge of the pit orchestra was conductor Sara Greene.

According to Harkin, she was eager to do “The Sound of Music” not only because of the fitting anniversary year, but because it was always one of her favorite musicals having seeing the movie in theaters as a child.

“We have never done it before; it’s light-hearted and beautiful, but also has a serious tone,” said Harkin.

This will be seniors Hart, Standard and Bennet’s ninth show with the school district and with fifth with the high school.

“I think I’m most excited because it’s our last show and I’m excited to just show everyone how hard we worked,” Hart said, noting the show represents family and togetherness.

Also, she said, she is anticipating showing the audience her ability in playing a “mean” character as Elsa Sthraeder.

“This is going to be a really good one; it’s a classic people know and appreciate,” Bennett said of the show, noting the community supports and attends the school’s productions “religiously.” “It’s going to be a great show; we have such a great group. It’s a great way to go out with a bang. I am really grateful.”

Standard agreed, noting the best part of the show is the finale.

“It’s the best at the end when everyone is together and we’re all a family,” she said. “Overcoming and something we all got through.”

The cast includes about 48 student actors, including high school, middle school and even elementary students, and the pit orchestra included about 35 students from sixth to 12th grade playing brass, wind, and percussion instruments.

The pit orchestra is a club comprising both high school and middle-school students rehearsing specifically for the show. In previous years, the club would perform during the middle school theater show, but as of last year, they began performing with the high school.

The auditorium was officially opened on Dec. 8, 2025. The $1.2 million project, funded by a voter-approved capital reserve, features new seating, carpeting, curtains, and updated lighting and sound systems to replace aged, damaged equipment. 

“We had a new video projection system as well that we used,” Harkin said, happy with the new facility.

Next year’s spring production will run around the same time and, although she has ideas for what it might be, she is keeping it under wraps, for now.