These questions were posed by the nuns in the Peninsula Association of Performing Artists (PAPA) production of “The Sound of Music.” I don’t know the answer, but I’m pretty sure it requires some of the magic that this fantastic place has in abundance.

Aside from the beauty of nature all around us, there are so many quality activities (and so much incredible talent!) Though I moved here in 2010, I have been away for most of the past year, up in Portland attending to my elderly mom. I came down this weekend for the Music in the Gardens tour, and managed to squeeze in today’s Vespers service at the Oysterville church, and the PAPA production of “The Sound of Music”, also. That still left Sandsations and the Clamshell Railroad Days that will have to wait until next year. It’s truly an embarrassment of riches!

Pull Quote

Aside from the beauty of nature all around us, there are so many quality activities (and so much incredible talent!)

The Music in the Gardens tour is my favorite Peninsula event. Though I’m not a gardener, myself, I love seeing the variety of “art” created by those who do have the green thumb (and probably a few green fingers, too). If you’ve never been, you must put it on your list for next year. It’s a fundraiser for music education in the schools, so in addition to being a feast for the senses, it counts as a good deed. Win/win!

Regarding PAPA, Matt Winters said years ago, “It’s as if a Broadway theatre troupe was shipwrecked here and decided to put on a show” (or something to that effect). This year is no different. “The Sound of Music” is a dearly beloved piece of American musical theatre for a very good reason. The family-friendly story presents timeless values and a terrific songbook. The cast does a magnificent job that tugs on the heartstrings in just the right way. There are actors that we know and love from previous PAPA shows, and some new faces as well. The kids are all so talented and adorable. I have to give a shoutout to Molly Oien, who plays the eldest daughter, Liesl. She’s only 16, but she has the voice of an angel. I look forward to seeing her in a leading role someday soon.

Lastly, the Vespers service at the Oysterville church holds a very special place in my heart. It’s a blessing to step into that old church with its heavenly acoustics and hear phenomenal musicians share their gift with our community, free of charge. Genres run the gamut from classical to contemporary. Today’s featured artists were Double J and the Boys, who mine music from the very core of the American soul. Judy, Janet, Charlie (and sometimes Bill) are so gifted (and funny!) that you might overlook the depth of their talent, which is richly anchored in authenticity and lived experience.

So, remember to be thankful for all the overwhelming beauty and talent that this community has to offer. Grab some tickets for “The Sound of Music” (only three more weekends), drop in for Vespers (Sundays at 3 p.m. all summer), and plan for next year’s Music in the Gardens tour. You won’t be sorry!

MARK SCARBOROUGH

Seaview