The Sound of Music

~~The best loved musical of millions came to the Ferneham Hall, Fareham, in September to great acclaim. This most popular musical ever with its charm and magic and a lush, tune-packed score, once more captivated the audience.
Everything though really hinges on the central role and Alexandra Maclean as Maria made this a natural delight with her skilful stagecraft apparent throughout every scene. Her singing voice was sweet and true and the opening solo “The Sound of Music” was most memorable.
The moving scenes of the Nuns at Nonnberg Abbey were well led by Julie Brombley who brought total reality to Mother Abbess, supported by Karen Redwood, Sister Sophia, Marina Voak, Sister Margaretta, and Ann Dent as Sister Bertha bringing humour and pathos. One of the many memorable vocal numbers was a wonderful rendition of the iconic showstopper “Climb Every Mountain” from Julie Brombley.
Jonathan Redwood played the Captain with Naval formality, slowly easing into gentler mood with Maria and his children. Effective light and shade sincerity was given especially to his scenes with Maria.
All the children gave star performances led well by Sophie Woodward as Liesl with Finlay Hughes as Freidrich, Keighley Smith as Louisa, Tristan Redwood as Kurt, Amy Curd as Brigitta, Olivia Riggs as Marta and the adorable Amelie Morris as Gretl.
With elegance and poise, Jennie Sharland charmed as the wealthy Elsa Schraeder, and Robbie MacNab, with some of the best lines, colourfully played the flamboyant theatrical entrepreneur Max Detweiler.
Important cameo roles were well covered by Alison Dea, as the formidable housekeeper Frau Schmidt, and Alan Backhouse, as Franz, the butler. Matt Swann gave a sensitive portrayal of Rolf Gruber especially in his duet, “Sixteen going on Seventeen”, with Liesl.
An expert smooth and flowing production by Director, Ben Lister who was well supported by Matt Swann as choreographer with good staging organisation under Stage Manager Laurie Kent. A fine orchestra, under the baton of Valerie Tucker, played with balance and lightness – all of which made this a lovely revival of one of my favourite things!
An excellent and enjoyable production, well done!
 

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