The Sound of Music

This show is one of the classics, and I was always of the opinion it wouldn’t sit easy on the stage but having seen it now many times I am convinced it does. A show where the ladies ensemble have to come into their own right from the off as they assemble for prayers in the abbey, and how they did, the work put in by the Musical Director to accomplish such a high standard of coral singing was excellent, the harmonies landed on the ear beautifully a huge congratulation to you all, what a start to a show. The orchestration throughout the show, albeit by a combo was excellent. The set was stunning and worked well by all the cast especially the Von Trap children. Costumes were sublime and well fitted, I always say get the right costumes get the best from a comfortable cast. The entrance of Maria (Charlotte Platt) was breathtaking, breezing onto the stage to gasps from the audience looking every inch the part with the most beautiful voice, a very demanding role both in character and emotions, carried off by an extremely accomplished actor huge congratulations. The Mother Abbess (Joyce Walker) there was a richness of warmth and sincerity with the portrayal of this role total believability and kindness, delivery of diction and of the Climb Every Mountain number suited your voice so well, very much appreciated by a captive audience well done. The endearing sisters Berthe, Margaretta, and Sophia (Lorna Hunton, Jennifer Hall, Susan Dodd) gave a tremendous performance both with the individuality of the characters and also the singing clarity of harmonies yet again stunning well done. Captain Von Trap (Rob Earl) a commanding performance in every sense of the word, and yet an extremely warm side too showing good characterisation throughout, you worked hard with your singing but don’t forget to live the song as well good performance. Max Detweiller (Kevin Whitfield) well suited for this role, I liked the cheeky chappie approach to this part, leaning on your friendship with the Captain to achieve your goals, well matched against Elsa (Linda Race) who with the most beautiful voice eased her way into the affections of the Captain alas a relationship not to be, nevertheless a role carried off with stunning dignity very good performance. Rolf Gruber and Liesl (Sean Clark – Wilkinson and Annabelle – Ruth Gater) gave what I consider to be the best matched couple I’ve seen in many a year, young lovers so much in love torn apart by war, singing and dancing through their numbers so easily very convincing well done. Talk about saving the best until last my goodness the Von Trap children gave the most outstanding performance so united as a family you just wanted to take them home, all individually characterised, singing and dancing and generally being so loveable children. This only becomes from a Director of immense talent and wealth of experience to achieve such a high standard, well done

The Von Trap children, Friedrich (Jaden Rowland) Louisa (Hannah Horsley) Kurt (Wilf Dight) Brigitta (Ellie Horsley) Marta (Gladys Llewellyn) Gretl (Lilah Coles) my sincere congratulations to each and everyone of you.

Overall an excellent show well done  Many thanks for the hospitality shown to me on my visit    

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