The Sound of Music

It has been an extremely busy time for M.A.M.A. having staged a most successful ‘CHESS’ in March and the ever popular ‘The Sound of Music’ about six weeks later.

The storyline is very well known telling how Maria, a young postulant finds difficulty fitting in with what is expected of a nun at Nonnberg Abbey and is sent to be a governess for the seven children of the widower Captain Von Trapp.

The opening scene with the nuns going about their business was effective with both the stage and auditorium put to good use and the Preludium sung harmoniusly.

Rebecca Kinross was charming in the part of Maria both vulnerable and forthright. She gave an animated performance throughout particularly when expressing her inner conflict between what is expected of a nun and her feelings for the captain. There was a real bond between Maria and the children. Most of the numbers in the show are well known and both Maria and the children performed in a most relaxed manner. All of the children played their parts with confidence and were well drilled in their moves especially in Do-Re-Mi number. It was good to see so many up and coming stars of the future!

Riichard Tebbutt was a dominating, demanding, self assured Captain Von Trapp who, after a great deal of persuasion, eventually softened towards his children and Maria.

Becky Duncan Skelton gave a very warm performance as Mother Abbess. In the scene where Maria returns to the abbey there was genuine sympathy and almost maternal instinct as she tells Maria she must ‘Climb Every Mountain’ which was sung with great feeling bringing Act 1 to a fitting close.

Alison Henry (Elsa) and Alan Paterson (Max) were both strong characters – Elsa dignified and stylish and Max a cynical impresario Their strong singing voices came over well in their numbers.

Leisel, played by Martina Gonzalez at the performance I attended, was a protective big sister to her younger siblings but a typical teenager in her admiration of Rolf (Gordon Horne). The two were a believable pair having fun in their duet ‘Sixteen Going On Seventeen’

There was a most able supporting cast but special mention should be given to Laura Paterson and Justin Skelton who stepped into the roles of Frau Schmidt and Franz the Butler at the dress rehearsal. Both performed admirably.

There isn’t a great deal for the chorus in ‘The Sound Of Music’ but the nuns sang well and the Nazi officers were fierce and commanding.

The familiar music was played by a supportive orchestra who made a grand sound. The many scene changes ran smoothly and good lighting enhanced the set.

This was an enjoyable production which went down well with the audience many of whom were inclined to sing along to the tunes they knew! Well done to the cast and production team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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