The Sound of Music

From the slightly tentative opening number in the chapel, to the last rousing note on the mountain top, the audience were appreciative and engaged. Although the music is so familiar, there were interesting variations in voices:  the Nuns were at their best in listing the faults of Maria whose title song was warm and mellow; the duet between the kindly Abbess and Maria was touching and well-sung; Rolf and Liesl  sang well and with excellent diction, their charming dance was just right for two young people; Captain Von Trapp has a pleasing voice, and it would be good to see the emotion in the song; ‘So Long, Farewell’ was delightfully staged and sung, with each child finding their character and expression; ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ was light, bright and with bags of energy; Friedrich produced a lovely top note; and the last note of that song was beautifully filled by Maria.

Acting skills were put to good use: Sister Berthe brought particular depth to her character; in the ‘My Favourite Things’ duet with Maria we saw real warmth and enjoyment from the Abbess; Maria’s ‘Confidence’ song was skilfully interpreted; in ‘Do Re Mi’ all the children demonstrated clearly their changing attitude to Maria; the relationship between Rolf and Liesl was appropriately innocent and sweet; unusually, Elsa Schraeder was less haughty and perhaps a little more likeable than is often the case, her jealousy of Maria less severe; Captain Von Trapp remained distant throughout; Max Detweiler has an excellent speaking voice, mature and well-modulated, conveying the character extremely well in voice and physicality, so that we understood his motivation, concerns and loyalties; the interaction between Maria and Franz the Butler was all too short; Frau Schmidt, the Housekeeper, was suitably portrayed as both severe and reassuringly human; Rolf was very convincing, demonstrating in his face, voice and physicality his conviction, apprehension and the torment of the decision he had to make.

A great deal of thought had been given to presentation, with stunning ballgowns and Elsa’s glamorous outfits and hair, which contrasted sharply with Maria’s homely dress and the Housekeeper’s businesslike hair and attire; Max looked the part in his tweeds and plaid tie and the children’s makeshift clothing really did appear to be made out of old curtains; the bedroom and thunderstorm scene was attractively dressed and very well-lit, and the closing tableau very pleasing.

The people of Swanage expressed their approval of this production with tumultuous applause, having been thoroughly entertained by the music and presentation of SMTC. This production brought together adults and children of all ages, onstage and backstage, all working together to create a show to be proud of.  Well done, Swanage.

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