The Sound Of Music (Carpet Trades Musical Theatre Company)

It's always amazing how The Sound Of Music by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein continues to stand the test of time over sixty years after it first hit Broadway in 1959. It is just one of those musicals with a touching story, some iconic characters and musical numbers that will never be forgotten.

I often use the quote from WC Fields, 'Never work with animals or children' in my reviews and some adults choose to appear on stage with both, in this case it is only the children element but, what a set of Von Trapp youngsters they were. I challenge any audience member who gets to witness the Bluebell Team (sadly I will not get to see the Snowdrop Team but, I am sure they will be equally endearing) to not leave the auditorium with a dose of smile-itis, in particular the girls, Larna Richards (Louisa), Giovanni Cutts (Brigitta), Maria Riga (Marta) and the uber smiley Georgia Riga (Gretl), the boys, Billy Brooks (Friedrich) and Myles Richards (Kurt) are a little more reserved but, you have to be when you are looking after four sisters don't you (I still saw some smiles, particularly in 'The Lonely Goatherd' number). I have seen enthusiasm on stage from many young performers but, these guys have it in spades and that alone warrants full houses for this production.

I have of course overlooked the eldest child, you know the one, 'I am Liesl, I am sixteen and I don't need a governess', played with charm and sophistication by Olivia Darks (previously seen on the same stage as Wednesday Addams a totally different character and proving that her stage skills are some of the best). Pursued of course by delivery boy Rolf Gruber, played with considerable charisma by Ben Williams.

Hollie Christian-Brookes as Maria Rainer is a piece of inspired casting, pitch perfect voice and an ability to build relationships on stage like no other, the major one of course with Reece Jones's typically forthright and aloof Captain Georg Von Trapp, watching this develop between two talented performers and the barriers breakdown is a joy.

Always a favourite character is that of Max Detweiler, brought to life by an animated and lightly comic performance from Chris Paine in tandem with Helen White's slightly forbidding and mildly scary portrayal of Baroness Elsa Von Schraeder (that is how I expect the Baroness to be so a great piece of character acting). Watch out for their captivating performance of 'How Can Love Survive ?', a song regrettably not included in the 1965 Movie.

So what about some further highlights to watch out for:
  • Emma Parker as the Mother Abbess's powerful performance of 'Climb Every Mountain' is not to be missed.
  • Some nice interactions between Von Trapp's butler Franz (Michael Thompson) and housekeeper Frau Schmidt (Tracey Mann).
  • An entertaining attempt to solve the problem that is 'Maria' by the Mother Abbess, Sister Berthe (Hannah Wilkins-Jones), Sister Margaretta (Kirsty Bluck) and Sister Sophia (Lois Stevens).
  • Convincingly unnerving performance from Adam L'Enfant as Herr Zeller, one needs some nerve to stand-up to that character.
Whilst I can talk about highlights (and there are many more), this is a totally enthralling piece of musical theatre and much to the credit of Director - Darren Richards, Choreographer - Emily Hamer and Musical Director - Russell Painter with a shout out to Stage Manager- Doug Forrester and his team for some really slick scene changes.

So don't let this production of a classic pass you by, it might remind you of your 'favourite things' or even when you were 'sixteen going on seventeen'.







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