Music by
Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by
Oscar Hammerstein 11
Directed by
Jeremy Sams
Musical
Direction by Luke Hunter
Presented by
Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian, John Frost and The Really Useful Group
Capitol
Theatre Sydney 17th December until 28th February 2016.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
One of Rodgers
and Hammerstein’s most enduring musicals
, “The Sound of Music” returns to Sydney in a superb production which
demonstrates why this show continues to delight audiences just as much as it
ever did, even some 56 years after it first appeared on Broadway.
For those
who know the show only through the Julie Andrews film, this production will
contain some surprises, particularly in the placement of the songs. Director,
Jeremy Sams has wisely returned to the stage version, but has also included two
songs written specifically for the film,
“I Have Confidence” and “Something
Good”. Both work beautifully in this production.
He has also
restored the two songs sung by Baroness and Max, not used for the film, “How Can Love Survive” and “No Way To Stop It”. Their inclusion
better clarifies the Captains sudden decision not to go ahead with his planned
marriage to the Baroness. Elsewhere he has tightened the action so that the
show flows seamlessly from scene to scene.
 |
| Amy Lehpamer and the children singing "The Lonely Goatherd" |
Though not
as spectacular as expected, this touring version of the production first
presented in the London Palladium in 2006, still offers much to enjoy. Sunsets
and twinkling stars arrive on cue; the storm is frightening; the opening “Preludium” with its large contingent of nuns dissolving into Maria
on the mountain singing “The Sound of
Music” is thrilling, as is Jaqueline
Dark’s sublime rendition of “Climb Every
Mountain” which closes the first act.
There are
also some surprises in the interpretations of the roles. This Maria, as played
by Amy Lehpamer, is very much the unsophisticated country girl, impetuous,
gauche and exactly as the nuns describe her in “Maria”. She also sings like a dream and her exuberant interaction
with the von Trapp children is thoroughly delightful, especially with the
eldest daughter Leisl, charmingly portrayed by Stefanie Jones. Their duet in
the second act, “Sixteen Going On
Seventeen”, provides one of the most poignant moments in the show.
 |
| Cameron Daddo with the von Trapp children |
By contrast,
Cameron Daddo offers a rather reserved interpretation of Captain von Trapp.
However he sings pleasantly, and certainly has the requisite looks and charm to
persuade any nun to give up her vows.
Marina Prior
brings unexpected warmth and vulnerability to her portrayal of the Baroness
Schraeder so that your heart goes out to her in her awkward attempts to mimic
Maria’s easy rapport with the children. David James’ flamboyant portrayal of
the festival director, Max Detweiler works well in contrast.
 |
| Cameron Daddo, David James and Marina Prior sing "No Way To Stop It" |
Theatre
veteran Lorraine Bayly, despite a heavy fall early during the first night
performance, went on to charm the audience with her jolly, bustling Frau
Schmidt, a neat contrast to the tall Philip Dodd as the von Trap household
butler.
 |
| Jacqueline Dark as The Mother Abbess |
Opera
Australia alumni, Jacqueline Dark, (The
Mother Abbess), Dominica Matthews, (Sister Berthe) and Joanna Allen, (Sister
Sophia) together with Eleanor Blythman (Sister Margaretta) and a team of
lustrously voiced nuns provide Nonnberg Abbey with a sensational heavenly
choir who unerringly lift the spirits during the “Preludium”, “The Wedding Processional” and of course “Climb Every Mountain”.
Then there
are the von Trapp children. Too good and too clever to be true, but who would have them any other way ? The
first night team impressed mightily with their spirited acting, accurate
singing and confident execution of the often quite demanding choreography,
especially for the joyous “Do- Re-Mi”.
If you’re
one of those people who love “The Sound of Music”, you won’t need urging to see
this new production. If you’re among those who feel they couldn’t bear to sit
through it again.. Believe me ..you can ..and you’ll love it. Give the kids-
and yourself- a treat. Take them along to experience this real-live version of their
favourite movie.
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| Cameron Daddo, Amy Lehpamer and the von Trapp children sing "Edelweiss" |
