The Sound of Music

When I was invited to see CUDOS’ production of “The Sound of Music”, I was very interested to see how they would manage the large array of scene changes, on the relatively small Victoria Hall stage - 18 according to the programme!  As usual, they managed them incredibly well, with a very clever set that opened up; turned round and was altered to make nearly every scene in the show.  Not only that but all the scene changes were achieved incredibly quickly, which really helped for some very swift and smooth transactions between scenes.  I particularly liked the projections used to create the abbey, which were simple yet stylish.

The props and the costumes were suitable for the production and, combined with the make-up, helped make sure that everyone looked the part.  I especially liked the curtain outfits that Maria had made.

Matt Rock had obviously worked hard with the cast, because the quality of the singing was mostly very good.  The majority of the harmonies were incredibly good and many of the solos were beautifully sung.  The orchestra was also very good and complimented the cast well.  However, I do feel that it would have benefited Christopher Holman-Holmes, if the music for “Edelweiss” was dropped a tone or two as he was noticeably struggling with this song, such a shame as he had managed all the other singing required of The Captain with ease and truly showed that he has a good singing voice.

The choreography, by Danika Gawronski, was performed well but was a little uninspired in places.  However, I have to wonder if the lack of stage space plus the number of cast on stage, may have necessitated this simpler approach. 

The lighting, under the control of Josh Chant, was perfect for the production and looked great, with every scene superbly lit.  Unfortunately, the sound was not quite as strong.  Apart from an obvious mic issue at the beginning of the second half, there were also a few other times where it was very hard to hear one or two of the actors, in fact there was one main actor who, for parts of the show, I could hardly hear at all.

All the cast played their parts exceptionally well, and although there were many fantastic moments where characterisation just shone through, there were a few lines which would have benefited from a little more expression. However, a highlight had to be the chemistry between Eleanor Brindley and Jacob Edwards, as Liesl and Rolf.  These two young actors were exceptionally good and you really felt that they genuinely wanted to be together.  Eleanor also shone during Rolf’s betrayal and “redemption” at the end of Act 2, you could really feel Liesel’s mixed emotion.  Another strong character actor was Elly Driver who just lit up the stage, as Elsa Schraeder, every time she was on.

As usual with a youth-centric production, the youngsters completely stole the show and the whole of The Van Trapp family was just a genuine pleasure to watch as they gelled together well.  Eleanor; Joshua; Lillie; Daisy; Christian; Elouise; Sienna and Judith prove that CUDOS’ has a future that is in incredibly safe hands.  However, as always there is one actor that completely shines in a production and that just had to be Jess Payne as Maria.  Jess was full of optimistic spirit and made for a truly fresh Maria, her singing was fabulous as well and she completely embodied the role with ease.

During the performance I came to there was a young girl who kept shouting out, presumably due to some disorder.  I was incredibly impressed with the way the cast dealt with this, not once was anyone distracted or thrown by the constant calling.  Not always an easy task, especially for the younger members of the cast.

Overall, this was a lovely production which was completely appreciated by the sell-out audience.  Perfect characterisations and ingenious set construction helped give this production a fresh new spin.  Yes, there were a few sound problems and the odd singing note was a little bit wobbly but nowhere near enough to put a damper on a wonderful production.  I have to admit that I actually dislike The Sound of Music but I found this production very enjoyable indeed, which is the best compliment I can give Dendy Harris and her team.  Although not quite one of “My Favourite Things?”, “I Have Confidence” that this production was definitely and unquestionably “Something Good”.  Congratulations and well done, to you all.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.