The Sound Of Music

Choreographer: Sarah Aitken

Moving to the Volunteer Hall for their spring show was sure to bring challenges. By building the stage length ways in the hall it made for slightly more scene options although this occasionally involved some slower scene changes. Even with this slight disadvantage the society coped really well by also using the hall for some entries and exits. The first entrance being the impressive opening with the harmonic nuns chorus. Sisters Berthe, Sophia and Margeretta, Lynn Gray, Rosie Daley and Shirley Redpath proved to be a sound trio, giving great support to Mother Abbess, Catherine Nicol, in the ever popular song, Maria. Catherine's rendition of the show- stopping Climb Every Mountain brought great applause to end Act 1. I really enjoyed Jane Smith's characterisation of Maria. Initially seeming nervous and almost unsure she blossomed into an expressive and cheekily rebellious young woman showing a comfortable rapport with everyone on stage especially the children. Do-Re-Mi was really well choreographed and full of fun and likewise the bedroom scene and the story of The Lonely Goatherd was wonderfully acted out. The children were all superb. Liesl – Hannah Hay, Freidrich – Joshua Bayles, Louisa – Amy Clark, Kurt – Chris Maud, Brigitta – Rebekah Herbert, Marta - Scarlett Hardy and Gretl – (the petite and cute) Jessica Taylor. All strong in their own right, they sang beautifully in harmony especially during The Sound of Music where Freidrich very capably accompanied on guitar - impressive! The father to the children, Captain von Trapp, was very believable and well suited to Ronald Drummond. His vocal ability shone throughout, especially during Edelweiss and although appearing a lot older than Maria, they never looked uncomfortable together. The comedic role of Max was played perfectly by Barry Jones and the role of Elsa was elegantly portrayed by Alex Watson. A special mention also goes to Matthew Taylor who very capably played Rolf. He sang and danced very naturally with a very competent Leisl. Both possible stars of the future. Compliments to Mike Hardy for his great sounding band, even though they had very little space to play this year. Congratulations everyone.

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