The Sound of Music

In a small rural village the challenge of performing a musical like ‘The Sound of Music’ would certainly be a daunting undertaking. However this very active and enthusiastic society, with its limitations of a very small stage, no wings to speak of, simple lighting and sound, under the competent direction of David Richardson worked well together, the result of which was a show they should be very proud of.

MD. Neil Milburn had obviously worked his magic and got the very best out of everyone. In particular, the musical number ‘Alleluia’ was excellent with all the harmonies perfectly sung, and this was a real achievement, especially when I heard afterwards that most of the ‘Nuns’ had not tackled anything like this before. Well done ladies!

Being in a small community, the company did well to cast the show, and it was obvious everyone had worked extremely hard to perfect their part to the very best of their ability. The children were super and used the whole stage to move and dance on. They were well drilled, and their individual characters shone through. Despite no real sound system I could hear every word both spoken and sung. They were a joy to watch. Principals were word perfect and convincing and, though I do not like to single cast out, I did think Joan Wilkinson was the best ‘Elsa’ I have seen. Her costumes were superb. The chorus were very well placed in pleasing groupings throughout the show, how lovely not to see straight lines of chorus coming on and off and singing on rows. The ‘Laendler’ dance sequence in the Von Trapp ballroom scene was excellent and the enjoyment of the four couples was obvious

The imaginative set was just perfect for this small stage and very effective. The dressing of it was very good, and the stage manager and his crew are to be commended for their slick setting of it in scene changes in very limited space. For the future, however, dimming the lights in these changes would be something to think about. Cosutmes were well thought out, though I did feel Captain von Trapp a tad too dapper in his opening scenes!  Wigs are always a problem, and although good I felt they were a little too modern and I would have loved to have seen the younger children with their hair braided in different ways.

With a very warm welcome in this lovely community atmosphere seeing everyone doing their bit both on and off stage I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. My sincere congratulations to you all for a very successful show.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.