The Sound of Music

This must be one of the few musicals ever written where most of the audience know almost every note and word of the songs. If we were unsure then the clarity of the singing soon reminded us. This is a mammoth performance for Maria but Sophie Randall was certainly up to the task. She had boundless energy and her singing and acting were a delight. Jordan Adams was a perfect match as the proud but almost emotionless Von Trapp. He also showed us what a fine singing voice he has. The children are important in this story and what a talented team we saw led by the confident Kathy Coombes as Lisl. On Thursday the rest of the team were Nathan De Giorgio, Ava Moore, George Adams, Emma Charnock, Isobel Mathias and Megan Mathias as Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and Gretl. They were a pleasure to watch and listen to. Craig Allen, as always, provided plenty of humour as the resourceful Max Detweiler and he combined effectively with Elsa Schroeder (well played by Paula O’Hare) and Jordan in the less well known song ‘No Way to Stop It’. There was a very nice rendering of ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ from Lisl and Rolf (Patrick Jervis).  All the other principal parts were well cast and added to the quality of the show.

The singing of the ladies chorus as The Nuns was excellent, well controlled and with well executed harmonies. They were fronted by Sue Morgan (Sister Berthe), Jenny Padley (Sister Margaretta) and Amanda Haslam (Sister Sophia) who together with the impressive Julie Mallaband (Mother Abbess) combined very well in the song ‘Maria’. I am sure that there were few dry eyes in the house when Julie sang ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’.

The whole production was enhanced by a good orchestra, attractive costumes, lighting and some amazing puppets.

Well done to everyone involved and it certainly deserved the full houses!

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