The Sound of Music

As we all know this musical was based on the real life history of the Von Trapp family singers, an Austrian singing group which escaped from the German invasion of their country. The show was first performed in the UK in 1961 at the Palace Theatre London. It appears that this musical still holds a place in the hearts of the public judging by the packed house.

‘The Morning Hymn’, ‘Dixit Dominus’ and ‘Alleluia’ sung by the Nun’s was delightful, setting the tone for the whole production. I did like Joanna Worden as Maria, she acted and sang well and did full justice to this icon of a part. She also had a good rapport with the children. Steve Dobson was convincing as the authoritarian Sea Captain Georg Von Trapp. Whilst also managing to soften his attitude towards his family and Maria later in the show, he also sang well. Lisa Higham and Joe Clark were good in the roles of Elsa Schraeder and Max Detweiler, they held the stage well and sang with confidence, just at times I felt that Max was lost and the ‘Dame’ came through. I very much enjoyed Lucy Stewart as Liesl she has very good stage presence and performed excellently. She was partnered very well by Lloyd Mitchell playing Rolf. I liked their rendition of ‘Sixteen Going On Seventeen’ and their dance was lovely.

Good support came from Ruth Moreland and Derek Longstaff who played Franz and Frau Schmidt. Paddy Holman was an excellent Mother Abbess, singing very well indeed and bringing considerable dignity and authority to the part, and a first class rendition of ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, I really enjoyed her performance.

Of course the appeal of the show is greatly influenced by the children and here we had a delightful group, they were well drilled, sang well and all showing their individuality and stole the show as you would expect. All the smaller parts were well done, I really did like the Festival scene, the national costumes worn by the children looked just perfect, in fact all the costumes looked good. Also there was good support from Sisters Margaretta, Berthe and Sophia, in fact all the nuns sang well.

The orchestra under the baton of Lucy Leather played a major part in a good night’s entertainment and as always a very good set. Well done everyone back stage and front of house. Thank you.   

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.