The Sound Of Music (Nottingham Operatic Society)
Seemingly incredibly popular for societies in the Midlands currently, Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'The Sound Of Music' in its 60th year is undoubtedly a classic of the musical theatre genre and allows performers of all ages to contribute to the overall production. One can always rely on Nottingham Operatic Society to 'pull out all the stops' and deliver a spectacle that will live on in the memory and Dave Partridge as Director/Choreographer and Morven Harrison as Musical Director have done exactly that at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham.
Settling into my seat I can see a sizable orchestra which is always a good sign and the opening 'Preludium' proves the power that such a group of musicians can create, then joined by a plentiful array of nuns, led by Kate Taylor as an exceptionally voiced Mother Abbess, burst forth with Latin Chants that really engage the audience attention.
Abby Wells is a lively, energetic, bordering on feisty Maria Rainer, full of emotion and with a melodic and entrancing voice, her ability to move from penitent nun to joyful governess in an instant is a skill in its own right and allows her to bring something different and interesting to every scene. This works exceedingly well when playing in contrast to Paul Johnson's much more reserved, perhaps even aloof at least initially, Captain Von Trapp and the two create a magnetic relationship on stage (even before a connection is obvious it is difficult not to see the character attraction).
Principal regular, Simon Theobald is a slightly self-obsessed yet utterly delightful Max Detweiler, always able to bring a subtle quip and smile to any occasion and Louise Grantham as Elsa Schraeder is a joy with an outstanding voice that is clear as crystal and unwavering characterisation.
What, I hear you shout, of the children, led by Laura Fiddes as eldest daughter Liesl, not quite certain that she should have to accept a governess but, finally realising one can make a useful confidant, a soft and lilting voice that portrays her mood very well. Joined on this occasion by her siblings from the Green Team including a very confident Gretl played by Grace Hindle, an assured Kurt from Harrison Ince, alongside Daniel Lane (Friedrich), Evie Midgley (Louisa), an unflappable Felicity Holman (Brigitta) and Isabella Gallager (Marta).
Zak Charlesworth is composed and charming as Liesl's love interest, Rolf Gruber, Shaun Hanrahan militarily precise as Franz, butler to Von Trapp and probably the performance of the night comes from Linda Croston as Von Trapp's housekeeper, Frau Schmidt, played slightly differently to the norm and much more interactively with Maria and the children which allows her natural wit and charm to come to the fore.
An extensive ensemble cast creates the atmosphere that is absolutely needed in many of the scenes and this is an all round enjoyable entertainment phenomenon that you only have very few performances to catch, so grab whatever tickets there are left before it's too late to experience these hills as alive as they are.
Book Here
Settling into my seat I can see a sizable orchestra which is always a good sign and the opening 'Preludium' proves the power that such a group of musicians can create, then joined by a plentiful array of nuns, led by Kate Taylor as an exceptionally voiced Mother Abbess, burst forth with Latin Chants that really engage the audience attention.
Abby Wells is a lively, energetic, bordering on feisty Maria Rainer, full of emotion and with a melodic and entrancing voice, her ability to move from penitent nun to joyful governess in an instant is a skill in its own right and allows her to bring something different and interesting to every scene. This works exceedingly well when playing in contrast to Paul Johnson's much more reserved, perhaps even aloof at least initially, Captain Von Trapp and the two create a magnetic relationship on stage (even before a connection is obvious it is difficult not to see the character attraction).
Principal regular, Simon Theobald is a slightly self-obsessed yet utterly delightful Max Detweiler, always able to bring a subtle quip and smile to any occasion and Louise Grantham as Elsa Schraeder is a joy with an outstanding voice that is clear as crystal and unwavering characterisation.
What, I hear you shout, of the children, led by Laura Fiddes as eldest daughter Liesl, not quite certain that she should have to accept a governess but, finally realising one can make a useful confidant, a soft and lilting voice that portrays her mood very well. Joined on this occasion by her siblings from the Green Team including a very confident Gretl played by Grace Hindle, an assured Kurt from Harrison Ince, alongside Daniel Lane (Friedrich), Evie Midgley (Louisa), an unflappable Felicity Holman (Brigitta) and Isabella Gallager (Marta).
Zak Charlesworth is composed and charming as Liesl's love interest, Rolf Gruber, Shaun Hanrahan militarily precise as Franz, butler to Von Trapp and probably the performance of the night comes from Linda Croston as Von Trapp's housekeeper, Frau Schmidt, played slightly differently to the norm and much more interactively with Maria and the children which allows her natural wit and charm to come to the fore.
An extensive ensemble cast creates the atmosphere that is absolutely needed in many of the scenes and this is an all round enjoyable entertainment phenomenon that you only have very few performances to catch, so grab whatever tickets there are left before it's too late to experience these hills as alive as they are.
Book Here
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