THE SOUND OF MUSIC

It was a lovely  to see an almost ‘full house’ at the first night of Newtown MTC’s performance of The Sound of Music, and I understand tickets were like gold to get hold of for the remaining performances. I’m sure we have all seen, been on stage or backstage for this evergreen musical. It is quite a few years since I have seen it performed but each time I see it, it offers something new.

A natural fresh approach to the role of Maria, from Josephine Catherwood whose singing voice was just perfect in all her numbers. Her opening song ‘The Sound of Music’ set the standard for a remarkable performance and Josephine just totally immersed herself in this enviable character. Her rapport with the children was excellent as she encouraged all of them to react to what was going on onstage. Highlights included ‘Do- Re-Mi’ and ‘Lonely Goatherd’.  She also brought out her tender side with Georg, Mother Abbess and Leisl. Captain von Trapp was portrayed by Craig Harris who I have seen many times on stage, his versatility in different roles is to be admired, and he coped well with the script even though there were one or two vocal issues. Craig demonstrated both discipline, together with eventually recognising his love towards his children, his love for Maria, then his beloved Austria, a creditable performance.
Professional characterisation of Mother Abbess from Chris Clarke. She brought out the mother instinct in her scenes with Maria, gently persuading her to go back to the family. Chris’s ‘Climb Every Mountain’ was a real tear-jerker which was appreciated by an inspired audience. Together with The Mother Abbess, the three main nuns, Sister Sophia, Sister Berthe and Sister Margaretta, played by Karen Gomm, Gaenor Bowen and Morgan Waldron respectively, joined in a lively ‘Maria’, lovely harmony here.
Amber Deacon gave a brilliant performance as Elsa Schraeder, Georg’s intended, with a memorable characterisation of the dapper Max Detweiler from Andrew Bond. Their ‘How Can Love Survive’ was most impressive.

The von Trapp children worked well together, each one carrying out to perfection the tasks that were set before them together with excellent choreography. The evening I was present  Leisl, Lowri Evans: Friedrich, Charlie Wendy Morris: Louisa, Sophia Evans:  Kurt, Matthew Pawley: Brigitta, Molly Cooke: Marta, Scarlett Davies : and Gretl, Maddie Collins,  represented the von Trapp children, and I have it on very good authority that the second group of Louisa, Caitlyn Bloor: Kurt, Owain Jones: Brigitta, Tilly Stephens, Marta ,Cerys Jones: and Gretl, Saffron Kendal alternated performances and also carried off honours performing the younger members of the von Trapp Family, well done all of you. I must  mention  Lowri Evans again as Leisl, the eldest daughter. Lowri was just perfect for this role, acting as ‘mother hen’ to her brothers and sister since the death of her mother, but realising that she did need a Governess and friend after all. Her singing was superb as she partnered Rolf in ‘Iam Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ and later her duet with Maria in the Act 2 Reprise. Nice contribution from Charlie Mark as Rolf Gruber, who improves each time he treads the boards. Dawn Jones was right on cue as Housekeeper, Frau Schmidt with Paul Martin completing the household as Franz the Butler. Valuable contributions from Mike Clarke as Admirable Von Schreiber and Gareth Woodhouse as Herr Zeller.
Chorus of Nuns coped well with the difficult ‘Preludium’ ‘Morning Hymn’and particularly ‘Gaudeamus Domino’ in the second Act. Costumes were suitable and well - chosen and stage crew worked hard on scenery. I would liked to have seen one or two more props on stage, together with more use made of the corners of the stage, downstage right and left. Nevertheless an outstanding evening’s entertainment.  

Always a pleasure to visit Newtown MTC, Congratulations to the whole Company and thank you very much for you most generous hospitality once again. Can’t wait for ‘Chitty Chitty in October!!

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