The Sound of Music

This iconic musical was an exciting choice for DMTC. The show was perfectly suited to the larger theatre and was well set to produce the images of this tyrollean classic with quick, slick scene changes to assist the flow of the production. The small band was excellent and totally adequate to compliment all the vocal performers. Although this is not a big dancing show the choreographed movement appeared effortless for the youngsters and adults involved. The Nonnberg Abbey nuns chorus was an harmonic delight to precede  the introductory scene which features the endearing solo by Maria, (Erin Craighead). Her day in the hills echoed to the delightful  ‘Sound of Music’. Obviously a strong character actress with excellent singing ability to match, this young lady lived and breathed the role of Maria from start to finish. Her interaction with the children was warm and captivating, which no doubt made her the ideal choice to play the loveable von Trapp governess. Captain von Trapp, (Ron Stairmand) portrayed  the role of the naval captain with great strength. His interpretation of the character was excellent from the stern persona on introduction to the lighter, warmer character who falls in love with Maria. The von Trapp children were an absolute treat, all showing enthusiasm and massive talent. The group on the final night played their roles with total conviction and were so clearly fond of Maria. Friedrich (Callen Love), Louisa (Nadine Mc Donald), Kurt (Joe Clark), Brigitta (Molly McTeir), Marta (Beth Wright) and Gretl (Erin McCaughey) shared their roles with equally talented youngsters. Ruairi McCormack, Star Murdy, Donald Whilaw, Esme Robertson, Izzy Earle and Skye van der Burgh. Leisl (Anna Wilson) shone as the oldest child and led both sets of siblings for the entire run. Her ‘Sixteen Going On Seventeen’ with Rolf (David Dalziel) was well presented and relatively relaxed for two young people getting close on stage for the first time. Well done. Our first introduction to the principle nuns during a wonderful rendition of ‘Maria’, totally proved that Sister Berthe (Nina Rennie), Sister Sophia (Katrina Patterson), Sister Margaretta (Laura Whitelaw) and Mother Abbess (Janette Davidson), all had the vocal and dramatic expertise to carry their roles. The Mother Abbess particularly played her role to perfection and with superb vocal ability produced a spine-tingling highlight to end act one, with ‘Climb Every Mountain’.  The characters of Elsa (Lindsay Nurney) and Max (David Ford) were in excellent hands. Elsa gave an elegant and polished performance and Max was wonderfully lighthearted and convincing in his occasional, comical lack of scruples. Their dramatic and vocal strength was evident throughout and particularly in both trios with von Trapp. The songs were well applauded by the audience, albeit they are both lesser known songs because they are not in the iconic movie.  Credit must also be given to the cameo roles of Franz (Neil Webster) and Frau Schmidt (Ann Beaton). They both worked well together on stage and held the day to day workings of the von Trapp household together perfectly. Overall this was such a wonderful, feel good, perfectly cast production giving the company so much to be proud of. Thank you as always for your first class hospitality.  

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