The Sound of Music

The society’s first production of this show saw the demanding role of Maria played by Roselyn Shallcross and I was delighted to see more of her lighter side in this production than previously as she softened into her part, transforming from a rather naïve and perhaps rebellious novice into a loving wife and mother.  She formed a lovely relationship with the children and the diction in her vocals was excellent.

Andy Collinson was a strict but likeable Captain von Trapp and he mellowed once his feelings for Maria, and his children, grew.  His voice was just right for the character he portrayed.

Which brings me to the children themselves who were very strong.  I saw the Jam Team and I have it on good authority that the Bread Team was just as good.  There were some lovely performances and I must mention Eleanor Hutchinson who played Liesl beautifully.  Her suitor, Rolf, was also very well performed by Luke Conman in his first singing performance for the society and they both sang and moved well in their duet.

Neal Edlin portrayed Max for more comedic effect than I’d seen previously and he and Mandy Pearson (Baroness Schraeder) performed nicely in the often forgotten “How Can Love Survive”.  The augmented Nuns chorus sang strongly, well led by Liz Wilson as the Mother Abbess.  We were also treated to an excellently funny performance by Alison White as Frau Schmidt and Ian Start was good as Franz.

I must admit to some concerns about some rather cabaret style movement in the Abbey early in the show and there were some iffy accents towards the end of the production which rather detracted from the menace that was needed during the family’s escape from the Nazis.

However, overall this was a good team effort.

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