The Sound of Music

This iconic musical was treated with the utmost respect and sincerity by the cast of Driffield Musical Theatre, the Director having chosen to remain faithful to the stage version.  Opening the show were a confident nuns chorus, comfortable and well-practiced in the Preludium.  The harmonies within the piece were well maintained and nicely blended, and this was reflected again later in the show with the Gaudeamus and Confitemini.  At the head of the Abbey was a self-assured and wholly convincing Mother Abbess (Julia Harris).  She showed a gravitas required of the role but balanced it with warmth and compassion, which shone through not only in her musical number with the young novice Maria, “My Favourite Things”, but also in her outstanding rendition of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” at the close of Act One.  Maria (Harriet Walker) developed her character successfully through the show, from young naive novice through caring governess to devoted wife.  She delivered all her musical numbers with assurance, a highlight being the touching duet “Something Good”, where her love for the Captain radiated from the words she was singing.  She established a convincing relationship with the Von Trapp children, particularly with Liesl (Emily Charlton).  As this was Harriet’s first principal performance, she displayed no signs of inexperience on stage and should be proud of this debut with DMT. The Von Trapp children were a delight throughout, and the quality of all their harmony singing, particularly in “The Sound of Music” was a credit to the Musical Director.  Captain Von Trapp (Lee Wilson) developed the caring paternal element of his character and this resulted in a poignant delivery of “Edelweiss”.  It also worked well against the jovial Max Detweiler (Paul Thompson) and refined Elsa Schraeder (Jenny Barrett).  The orchestra was well-rehearsed, and never intruded but rather supported the cast with a cohesive sound. With attractive, well-presented costumes and a basic yet effective set, sympathetic lighting and good use of sound effects, all elements of this production had been brought together to present a most enjoyable evening’s entertainment.  

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.