The Sound of Music

AAOC’s production of this classic was given a fresh approach with their clever staging. A full digital wall to the rear of the stage which changed between lovely watercolour images for each setting enhanced with fixed cloisters and the smaller moving set pieces. This kept the pace of the show up and the scene changes smooth. The show opened with a beautifully sung ‘Preludium’ which the Mother Abbess and the Nun ensemble sang beautifully. And this high level of vocals was continued throughout the show from all the principals and ensemble members. Leading the story was Ciara McCabe in the iconic role of Maria Rainer. Ciara was just delightful in the role, commanded the role confidently with flawless vocals and a delicate yet feisty character. Her warmth with the children was really evident and they all had a captivating bond. The children (Team Von on the night I was there) were all delightful and a joy to watch, each one of them sure in their individual characters. Team Von consisted of Keira Capstick (Leisl), Antonio Kolodziej (Friedrich), Lauren Beattie (Louisa), Cameron Lindsay (Kurt), Emma Jaughar (Brigitta), Suzy Cannell (Marta) and Amy Cannell (Gretl). Their singing, acting and dancing was fab, and their individual personalities shone through. Having been down to the club shows a lot now, it was lovely to see the two younger Von Trapps being played by children of stalwart club members David and Wendy who were also on stage.  Gretl always melts my heart with the iconic line “I’ve got a sore finger” and Amy didn’t disappoint with her cute delivery of this line. As the oldest Von Trapp, Keira Capstick was a lovely Liesl and played the naive and innocent character perfectly. Max Wyllie as Rolf Gruber was charming and both had lovely singing voices, which blended perfectly in ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’. Head of the Von Trapp family, Captain von Trapp was played by Mikey McCabe.  He drew out the character change from the firm loving navy officer to the warm loving father brilliantly and brought a warmth and likability to the character which was lovely. Working with his real-life wife Ciara meant that the relationship between the Captain and Maria was so natural, but still allowed Ciara to show Maria standing up to Mikey’s strict captain at the start of their interactions. It was lovely to see these two play opposite each other again … not covered in green paint this time!  Andrew Martin brought lots of humour and charisma to the role of Max Detweiler, and he had a great relationship with Baroness Elsa Schraeder, confidently played by Joanna McGahon. Joanna brought the calm and classiness of Else with some humour injected in their too which was fab. Marie McWilliams as Mother Abbess gave a polished performance with some warmth and gentleness to this strong female character.  Her rendition of ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ was excellent and was well received by the audience as the climax to the end of Act 1. All the songs were performed excellently, with the harmonies from the nuns coming across beautifully, strong and clear. The nun ensemble was led by Sharon Fentie as Sister Sophia, Wendy Cannell as Sister Berthe and Laurin Campbell as Sister Margaretta. All three brought great characterisation and personality to the iconic lines they delivered and interacted very well together. The cast was completed by excellent supporting cast members covering the minor characters and the impressive ensemble. Congratulations to the full production team on their hard work bringing this fab production of this classic musical to life.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.