The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein - a firm favourite with audiences and made all the more special as it based on a true story. St Philips’ production certainly entertains the audience.

The various scenes looked well-staged especially the Von Trapp living room, well-furnished with impressive period props and there were a lot of scene changes needed, some of which did take time but it was all well thought out and unavoidable in the circumstances. Costumes were excellent: in keeping with the period - the Von Trapp children in particular looked delightful in theirs. Maria’s bridal gown was beautiful. One minor mar: a pity a stage hand thought it vital to appear on stage to shut a door, thus compromising the period atmosphere staging & costumes had created.

In the director notes Mina Kirkbright says the show is a favourite, having seen it in London when first released – this affection was evident when directing and staying as true to the original intention as possible.

The chorus of nuns, party guests & contestants worked well together as a supportive ensemble, injecting the necessary energy and sometimes comedy to complement the leads – as an on-off appearance, this was a laudable contribution.

Catherine Cropper as Maria had the innocence of a postulant nun who has trouble fitting in and as an actress grew in the character as the show progressed. I did feel some of the songs were excessively pushed vocally. However, her characterisation definitely brought out the vulnerable Maria.

Dean Richardson as Georg Von Trapp gave us an assured vocal performance, but at times seemed unsure in his acting delivery, but I did admire his deft ship’s whistle playing with all the repertoire required. Martin Whittaker as Max Detweiler embraced the role with fun and gusto and still managed to add some suspicious strands in his handling of the dubious phone calls from Berlin.

Sarah Pilkington gave an impactful performance as Frau Schmidt – you shared her exasperation at how Von Trapp ruled the house while she was loyally trying to run it. Adam Manning as Franz the Butler worked well with her, although as an audience you took her side from her pro-Austrian standpoint, Franz you were led to believe would be susceptible to the ruling party.

Adam Richardson gave a pleasing portrayal as Rolf Gruber - it’s a hard part to do as he wears his party’s colours on his sleeve but you wonder where his heart is: no need here, his chemistry with Rachel Slater’s Liesel was believable in its sweetness, which finally stayed true as he assists the family’s escape. Both their vocals were strong and touching.

Liesel together with the other Von Trapp children were a delight with the typical all-dressed-in-the-same-material look. They conveyed their family fun and you believed their closeness as a unit, all in tune with one another – literally, good work!

Teresa Harper as Mother Abbess was just brilliant: all-knowing, supportive with a stillness of a professional performer knowing her craft and delivering songs that just draw the audience into her world – you’d happily climb any mountain for more of this expertise.

Thankyou St. Philips for making my guest and I so welcome – congratulations on this production!

 

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