The Sound of Music

A classic story and production from WAOS with a large cast of adults and children, playing to a full house and enthusiastic audience.

Niels Bradley as Captain Georg von Trapp was a very upright character  but gave a rather softer side as the father than we tend to expect. His manner with the children after Maria had told him a few home truths was very pleasing, and with both Maria and Elsa Schraeder his dialogue was very well placed.

Corrina Wilson as Maria gave us a rather feisty character with a strong and definite feel as Maria. A lovely singing voice and a natural ease and confidence on stage.

Julie Codling playing Elsa was very glamorous and beautifully dressed as this sophisticated lady. Again with a great tone to her singing, and the duets with Max and von Trapp were excellent.

Max Detweiler played by Tom Whelan, Edward Groombridge as Franz and Hilary Watling as Frau Schmidt gave us enjoyable and interesting characters.

The Nuns and Postulants led by Janet Moore as the Mother Abbess all looked so uniform and, together with some delightful fun in “Maria” sung by Shelly Fisher, Michelle Jesse & Constance Lawton.

The harmonies which split into many parts in the unaccompanied singing was good with all lines well balanced. Slight tuning issues in Act 11 in “Rex Admirabilis”but all so well sung.

Act 1 closed with the beautiful voice of Janet Moore singing “Climb Every Mountain” which she truly did justice to. I heard every word and the flight of her voice up to the top range to finish the song was terrific.

The children were excellent, not only did they look good,all their songs and dances were precise and enjoyable.

I was very impressed with Edward Tunningley as Rolf with both his acting,singing and dancing.Probably one of the best Rolf’s I have seen.Well done also to Faith Rogers as Liesl in their duet “Sixteen going on Seventeen”.Beautifully choreographed and performed.

The costumes on every person on stage was exceptionally good with everyone in well fitting costumes which makes the show special and looks so professional.

The balance of sound from the Orchestra and voices which I always listen for was very good. Underscoring muted down and voices distinct throughout.

Well done to you all and of course Susannah for her direction as Musical Director.

Scenery, backcloths and furniture all worked very well.

The escape from the concert hall to the Abbey Gardens was nicely played.

I really enjoyed lots of interest and moments which Eric added to the show and added to the spirit of this timeless story. Eric always comes up with some nice touches of his own and did the society proud in this production.

Many thanks for your hospitality and meeting up with you all again.

I look forward to 2015’s programme, both shows I am sure will be appreciated by the audience.

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