The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music must be one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s best loved musicals and most people will be familiar with it’s storyline and ever popular musical numbers. The success of this show is largely dependent on Maria and Joanne Legge gave an impressive performance in this hugely demanding role. She sang beautifully and gave a very warm performance as the young nun sent to look after the Von Trapp children all of whom were quite charming and won the hearts of the audience with their lively, confident singing and innocence. Mary Legge was a delightful Liesl and worked well with the young Bruce Munro (Rolf). David Legge was well cast as the stoic disciplinarian Captain Von Trapp fighting against his feelings for Maria before realising that she was exactly what he and the children needed.. The part of Elsa Schraeder was in the capable hands of Severine Lemoine who was well paired with Hugh Pumphrey who gave a spirited flamboyant performance as Max Detweiler.

Although there really isn’t a great deal of chorus work in this show, this ensemble of nuns was in excellent form vocally. They made a fabulous sound getting the first act off to a great start with the ‘Morning Hymn’ while the ‘Canticle’ at the wedding was sung with confidence and passion. Diane Kerr was vocally outstanding as Mother Abbess. ‘Climb Every Mountain’ was a real joy to listen to and brought the house down. She was well supported by Anna Munro (Sister Bertha) Ali Shearman Jones (Sister Margaretta) and Jemma Ward (Sister Sophia).

All of the minor roles were well played and enhanced the production. A small but very secure orchestra supported the singers well. Good use was made of the limited stage space and the auditorium itself with slick scene changes helping keep the show moving along.

The community of Dunbar is so fortunate in having such a wealth of talent of all ages and it was interesting to note the number of family members playing together on stage and involved with the production. A real team effort.

All in all this was a thoroughly enjoyable production and one that Dunbar Lyric should be proud of. So good to see a full house too. Congratulations!

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