The Sound of Music

Having ventured into the magical world of Shrek the Musical in 2022, Exeter Musical Society returned to a well-loved and popular production of The Sound of Music, this year. This is the third time the society have performed this show and two of those productions were ably directed by Joe McNulty.

I had great expectations of this production and I and the audience were not disappointed. As the audience entered the auditorium, we were presented with a beautifully lit stage using pinks, purples and blues to highlight the five stained glass windows of Nonnburg Abbey, painted columns with decorative mouldings and its charming mosaic floor.

As the performance began a chorus of Nuns, novices and postulants entered on to the stage, each carrying a small lit candle, bringing a sense of sacredness and producing the most glorious sound of the Praeludium. This was very special indeed. Again, beautifully lit, with the added effect of shadows on the back cloth.  The “Nun’s Chorus” throughout the production were exceptional! Their harmonies, touches of light and shade and clear diction added warmth to all of their ensemble pieces and were obviously rehearsed meticulously by the musical director, Rob Young. I must also credit the costumes of this ensemble as it was lovely to see the varying apparel for the different order of nuns. 

I have to make special mention of the actor playing Mother Abbess at this point whose portrayal was of ‘West End’ quality. Her characterisation was exceptional, gentle but strong, understanding and dignified and a stunning, beautifully controlled performance of Climb Every Mountain at the end of the first act, encouraged huge cheers from the audience.  She was well supported by Sister Margaretta, Sister Sophia and Sister Berthe, all with engaging personalities and each with a lovely voice when trying to “Solve a problem like Maria”.

The actor portraying Maria was delightful from her first entrance. With a voice of real quality, she negotiated the score with expertise. This showed particularly when teaching the Von Trapp children Do-Re-Me. We associate the character of Maria as a wilful, yet naïve, mischievous but gentle young woman, which was shown throughout especially when interacting with the children and during her ‘confident’ journey to the Von Trapp villa on a “moving bus”! 

The Von Trapp Children were exceptional. Both teams, Raindrops and Roses, performed with a quality only seen on a professional stage. I felt the need to witness both performances and so attended the show twice. Each one of the children could sing, act and dance with confidence. Both teams were dressed perfectly, throughout. Their dialogue was easily heard and each produced their own individual characterisation of their part. As the children say goodnight and perform “So long, Farewell” you could hear a pin drop in the auditorium and clearly showed the sincerity of their sibling relationships. Delightful performances from the two young actors playing Brigitte when pointing out the attraction between their father and Maria. 

Liesl, with a stunning voice, portrayed this sweet teenager well and I loved her interaction with her siblings. Both her and Rolf charmed the audience with their smooth and creatively choreographed dance keeping the audience on tender-hooks as to their potential romance.  A stern Captain Von Trapp is performed well and with a lovely, rich baritone voice. He eventually succumbs to his children’s joy and the gentleness of Maria. This is especially captivating when singing ‘Edelweiss’ with Liesl accompanying him on the guitar.  Often directors cut the musical numbers performed by Max and the Baroness but we were treated, on this occasion, with both actors having strong, melodic voices to charming renditions of ‘how can love survive’ and ‘no way to stop it’ with Georg.    All of the leading roles were well supported by Frau Schmidt and Franz, the servants, the various German officers and members of the chorus. 

The set worked well from trees flying in, the gorgeous back drop of an Austrian vista, the Nonnburg Abbey and the final scene with the family climbing to Switzerland. The Von Trapp villa and garden scenes were well dressed, cleverly using members of the cast to set and remove pieces. The lighting, as previously mentioned was well thought out and supported by a sound desk operator that allowed the audience to hear every word and every song performed, well balanced with the orchestra and the actors. The thunder and lightning during ‘my favourite things’ an excellent example. Without the expertise of a good lighting and sound crew a production can succeed or fail, this production fulfilled the brief, expertly. 

With excellent choreography, careful direction and an impressive sound, Exeter Musical Society provided their audiences with a complete success from start to finish, deserving of each standing ovation they received!

Congratulation to you all.

Lyn Burgoyne - Noda Rep (Mid and East Devon).

 

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