The Sound of Music

Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. This show requires no introduction as it must be one of the world’s most loved musicals. After all, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a viewing of this classic movie musical.

The Mother Abbess’ (Cheryl Menzies) characterisation was gentle but strong, understanding and dignified and a beautifully controlled performance of Climb Every Mountain at the end of the first act, encouraged cheers from the audience. She was well supported by Sister Berthe (Emily Lister), Sister Margaretta (Hollie Wegner-Jazskin), and Sister Sophia (Annie Halsam), all with engaging personalities and each with a lovely voice when trying to “Solve a problem like Maria”.

Tonight, Maria (Nicola More) was definitely “not a problem to be solved”! Her acting and singing was stunning throughout and her interaction with the strong-minded naval Captain von Trapp (Nick Tomlinson) was, to say the least, moving! Elsa Schraeder (Jilly Martin) displayed as a strong-minded and elegant Austrian business woman in love with Captain von Trapp, but, ultimately to change her mind, allowing Maria to marry the Captain. Max Detweiler (Lewis Harley) really brought the comedy to the piece and worked extremely well with Elsa. Theo Hart as Rolf Gruber, of “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” fame, acted and sang well throughout, making the change from telegram boy to Nazi Youth member with believable presence. His duet, mentioned above, with the eldest daughter, Liesl (Jasmine Fleming) was a joy to hear! Jasmine’s lovely voice and exquisite acting made for a very believable on-stage relationship with Rolf.

Of course, where would The Sound of Music be without the Von Trapp children? Tonight, I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing the Edelweiss Cast with, Friedrich (Cameron Quoi), Louisa (Laurie Smart), Kurt (Charlie Woodcraft), Brigitta (Tess Donnelly), Marta (Eva Walker) and of course Gretl (Rosie Berry). Each and every one of the children showed great promise for their future in amateur (or professional) theatre. Brigitta’s pointing out to Maria that Captain von Trapp was in love with her, was a case in point! I would love to have seen the Strudel Cast, but sadly there were not enough days in the week to manage this. I am sure, however, that they all displayed the same energy and vitality as shown tonight.

With a combination of thoughtful directing, accurate musical directing, and well-rehearsed and inventive choreography this was an excellent production.

Well done Kelty MA.

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