The Sound of Music

This was the first production I’ve seen of this Rodgers & Hammerstein musical since it was recently re-released to amateur theatre companies, it was also the first time Settle AOS have staged this popular musical. The scenery and set, which was designed and created by the new producer and members of the society, effectively maximised the performance area of this small stage. The show was delightfully costumed by Ian Stead. Rachel Humberstone was charming in the coveted role of Maria and Robin Knipe was her stern aristocratic Captain von Trapp. Newcomer Donna Bland was an attractive, elegant Elsa Schraeder and Eric Parker was an amusing impresario Max Detweiler.The audience couldn’t help but like the nicely costumed von Trap children, especially little Gretl, on Thursday night performance we saw the ‘Saltsburg’ team and no doubt the ‘Vienna’ team did as well when it was their turn to shine. Possibly because of age restrictions, the role of Leisl was shared by Grace Currie and Ellie Humberstone, so it’s no wonder that Miles Warburton as Rolf had such a cheeky grin on their cast photograph. The leading nuns Sister Berthe (Christine Sturrock), Sister Margaretta (Helen Seed) and Sister Sophia ( Jackie Seed) were very much in character and a highlight of the evening was the moving rendition of ‘Climb Every Mountain’ from the Mother Abbess (Audrey Daley) who lead the excellent 15 strong Nuns chorus. This and the rest of this popular score was well accompanied by the local orchestra. A nice touch was added In the Concert Hall Stage scene when Barbara Mclernon simply had the audience in stitches in her a cameo role of an OTT prize winner.

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