Parker: Laguna is alive with 'The Sound of Music'

I found the show to be at its best when all seven of the von Trapp children were onstage and singing. When they began "Do-Re-Mi" in the first act, I honestly never wanted the number to end. The enthusiasm from the cast was contagious. (I will admit to playing that song in my car on the drive home, singing along at the top of my lungs, although not quite as well as the von Trapps, I'm sure.) Equally fun were "The Lonely Goatheard" and "So Long, Farewell" later in the first act.

While all the von Trapp kids were outstanding — especially Sarah Busic as Liesl, the eldest von Trapp child — other standout performances for me included Elan Kramer as Max, a von Trapp family friend; Karina Parker as Elsa, Captain von Trapp's would-be fiancee; and Haley Castuera as Mother Abbess, Maria's mentor of sorts at the Nonnberg Abbey.

I paid particular attention to the set design. Experience tells me that, behind the scenes, students and volunteers must have painstakingly painted the backdrops and the intricate stained glass windows of the Abbey, and their efforts did not go to waste.

There's only one weekend left to catch "The Sound of Music."

The show is now one of "my favorite things," and if you see it, I'll think you'll agree.

KELLY PARKER is the interim city editor of the Coastline Pilot. She can be reached at (714) 966-4682 or kelly.parker@latimes.com. Follow her on Twitter: @KellyParkerTCN.

If You Go

What: "The Sound of Music"

Where: Artists' Theatre at Laguna Beach High School, 625 Park Ave.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $10 for students, $15 for adults and $20 for premium seating