The Sound of Music

Based on Maria von Trapp’s 1949 memoir – The Story of The Trapp Family Singers - one of the most beloved musicals of all time premiered on Broadway in 1959. Inspired by the true story of the Von Trapp family’s escape from the Nazi occupied Austria just prior to World War 2, it centres on Maria, a prospective nun, who became a governess for the seven Von Trapp children and finally their mother.

The Germans want Captain Von Trapp desperately as he had been a successful naval officer previously, so they all have to escape. The audience learns how they did this through some good luck and help friends and Nuns. It may sound deadly serious but it was anything but with such well known songs, dances and, of course, the seven children.

Madeleine Johns, as director, has achieved a high standard indeed in this free-flowing production. A couple of minor hesitations only served to make the characters more true to life in many ways, compared to the perfect flow of the movie which we all know. Outstanding in this well balanced cast were Stephanie Collins as Maria and Erickson Llustre as Max. What a talented group of children too, with Ashlee Herman as the oldest leading the way so well. On this large stage, everyone had plenty of room that was used to the utmost. The singing was great, particularly by the nuns, but Loie Valmy needed a little more clarity early in his role as Captain Von Trapp. The singing was supported by the live orchestra.

The well-equipped Entertainment Centre allowed for fluency in set changes and gave plenty of space for dance and general movement. The director made full use of this in the entertaining, free flowing musical to give the audience a great night at the theatre. I really enjoyed this night out.  Very well done.

William Davies