The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is probably one of the best known shows, with it`s sumptuous score and so many oft performed catchy songs, this is one of the most popular of the Rodgers and Hammerstein collaborations. The well-known story of the postulant nun, sent as governess to the Von Trappe children, who falls in love with the (initially) reluctant father of the children, and escapes with them from an Austria being invaded by Germany. The leading role of the postulant nun, Maria Rainer was immortalised by Julie Andrews in the film of the same name- a film, I have to confess I`ve never actually managed to sit through! The fact that Morecambe Amateurs played to full houses every night, gives testimony to the popularity of the show.

Claire Allcock took on the role of Maria- great singing and working really well with the children throughout. You could see a real bond between her and the children. Peter Thompson played a very staid Captain Georg Von Trapp, maintaining his upper class dignity at all times. In some respects, maintaining it a little too much, as I didn`t get any sense of passion between The Captain and Maria throughout, though his manner with the children did soften throughout the production. 

Jess Turton gave an accomplished, glamorous performance as Elsa Schraeder, more worldly-wise, open minded and accepting of the Anschluss than the others. As was Max Detweiler, the Captain`s friend, played by Bob Bailey, capably showing the self-serving aspects of Max`s character, and squeezing as much well needed humour out of the character as he could.

Tracie Penwarden played the mother Abbess, capably supported by Alison Birtle, Anna Webster and Vanessa Whittle, (Sisters Berthe, Margaretta and Sophia respectively). Tracie`s voice soared throughout “Climb Every Mountain”, giving a beautiful rendition of the song to close Act 1.

This show of course doesn`t work without the children. On the night I went, it was “Team Sophie”. Lighting up the stage, they all looked, sounded and acted fabulously, always maintaining their characters and focus with perfect diction throughout- marvelous! These children were well drilled, and didn`t look out of place amongst their more experienced adult performers. I have it on good authority that “Team James” were also of the same standard- how lucky this area is to have such a wealth of young talent.

Victoria Jeffreys gave a wonderful performance as Leisl, the eldest daughter of the family, her singing and dancing shone. She worked really well with Gabriel Cooper (playing a convincing Rolf Gruber) throughout, their “Sixteen going on Seventeen” was a delight- executed perfectly. “Team James” Leisl was played by Kate Bowskill, again, my spies tell me that Kate`s Leisl was just as good.

Minor Roles, Franz the butler (John McKenzie), Frau Schmidt the housekeeper  (Jane Anderson), Herr Zeller (Matthew Boardman)  and Admiral von Schreiber (Phil Huddart) all played their parts with enthusiasm and confidence. Special mention has to go to Francesca Marriner- her facial expressions and timing were spot on. Christopher Plummer (Von Trapp in the film) was quoted as saying of the film, “Because it was so awful and sentimental and gooey, you had to work terribly hard to try and infuse some minuscule bit of humor into it.” Francesca managed to in spades.

Generally this was a good production of a well-loved show, if I had one criticism at all, it would be that some of the scenes were a little static- especially when just two or three people were sharing the stage- whilst I know people generally don`t move around, jog/handstand whilst talking to each other, they do gesticulate, and involve each other in their dialogue. On occasion, it felt like there were just words being spoken, without real emphasis behind them.

The chorus, such as it is for The Sound of Music, sounded superb. Their harmonies throughout were of a really high standard- to make something sound so effortless takes a lot of work, from both chorus and Musical Director- take a bow, all of you.

Staging, Lighting and sound were again of a high standard- the level at which seems to be the norm for this venue, and long may it continue (though the crossovers in front of blacks made it quite obvious that a set change was taking place behind).

As previously mentioned, Musical Director Joanna Jeffreys worked hard with the chorus, and it got the results the work deserved. Add to this the work done with the principals, children and an orchestra ….. Well done!

This was Sophie Butler`s choreographic debut for Morecambe Amateurs, and by the looks of things, hopefully won`t be her last. Everyone was well drilled, knew exactly what they were doing and executed it with aplomb. Well done.

James Shields also made his directorial debut with this production- probably one of the hardest shows to cut one`s teeth on, as everyone knows the story, it doesn`t lend itself to any real change in the way it`s set, and the way it goes from gloriously happy songs to serious scenes with dark undertones. James should be very proud of what he, and the team achieved with this production.

Thank you Morecambe Amateurs for your invite, and hospitality.

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