The Sound of Music Youth Edition

This was my first visit to see the talented young performers at The Stage and Screen Academy, and I had the pleasure of watching their production of The Sound of Music Youth Edition. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted by the front-of-house team, who were friendly, professional, and helpful in guiding us to our seats. It was a lovely welcome that set the tone for an enjoyable afternoon.

The production was staged within a traditional proscenium arch, and while the set design was minimal, it was thoughtfully executed. Rather than relying on elaborate scenery, the creative team used projected visuals to indicate the various locations from the grandeur of the von Trapp villa to the serenity of the abbey. These projections were effective in supporting the storytelling and helped transport the audience from scene to scene with ease.

The ensemble cast brought great energy and enthusiasm to the stage. Their commitment to the performance was evident throughout, and the choreography was lively and well-rehearsed. The group numbers, particularly “Do-Re-Mi” and “So Long, Farewell,” were delightful to watch, with the young cast moving confidently and in sync. The choreography suited the abilities of the performers and added vibrancy to the musical numbers.

Joshua Bambrick took on the role of Captain von Trapp. He portrayed the stern yet loving father with a strong stage presence and commendable poise. At times, there were moments where his dialogue was slightly mumbled, which made it difficult to catch certain lines. With clearer diction and vocal projection, Joshua could elevate his performance even further. Nonetheless, his portrayal captured the emotional journey of the captain, especially in the scenes where he reconnects with his children.

Maria, played by Ava Hapgood-Roach, was perfectly cast. Ava brought warmth, charm, and a wonderful sense of playfulness to the role. Her facial expressions were expressive and engaging, and she had a natural rapport with the children on stage. Ava’s singing voice was sweet and confident, and she handled the iconic songs with grace. Her rendition of “My Favourite Things” was particularly memorable, filled with joy and character. Mia Oldham as Liesl delivered a lovely performance, especially during “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” She captured the innocence and excitement of young love with sincerity and poise. Her chemistry with Rolf was believable and added depth to the scene. Flo Florence Barr played Friedrich with confidence and clarity. She brought a gentle strength to the role and was particularly good in the family ensemble scenes, showing great awareness of stage dynamics and interaction.

Nathan Ayodele, as Rolf, commanded the stage with a strong presence. His performance in “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” was charming and well-executed, and he handled the character’s shift in allegiance with conviction. Nathan’s physicality and vocal delivery made him a standout in his scenes. Corey Thomson portrayed Max Detweiler with flair and comedic timing. He brought a lively energy to the role and demonstrated a clear understanding of Max’s opportunistic nature. Corey’s scenes added levity and contrast to the more serious moments of the show. Joel Eden-Lamb gave a solid performance as Franz, the butler. He added subtle humour and character to his scenes, and his interactions with the von Trapp children were well-timed and engaging.

The Nuns ensemble delivered a beautiful and moving performance during the abbey scenes. Their harmonies in “Maria” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” were impressive, and they created a strong sense of community and reverence that grounded the production.

Lighting throughout the show was simple yet effective. It illuminated the performers well and helped to distinguish the various settings.

The famous songs from The Sound of Music including “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and “The Sound of Music” were well executed by the young cast. Their enthusiasm and vocal ability shone through, and it was clear that a lot of care had gone into rehearsing these iconic numbers. The musical direction supported the performers well, and the accompaniment was balanced and unobtrusive.

Overall, this production of The Sound of Music Youth Edition was a delightful showcase of young talent. The cast and creative team should be proud of their work. It was a joy to see such dedication and passion on stage, and I look forward to future performances from The Stage and Screen Academy.

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