Lester Pearson’s Sound of Music a favourite thing
A doe is a deer, a female deer; a ray is a drop of golden sun. “Me” is a name I call myself, and The Sound of Music is a show stunningly performed by Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School.
The Sound of Music, by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II in 1959, is based on Maria Augusta Trapp’s memoirs, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.
Maria Rainer is sent from a convent to be the governess for the seven children of Captain von Trapp. Through her love, understanding, and joyful singing, Maria finds her way into the hearts of the children and brings the family closer together.
The winner of numerous Tony awards and the inspiration for the 1965 film of the same title, The Sound of Music is a wellknown and well-loved musical. As Maria, Bernice Reyes, with her strong voice and clear enunciation, had an immediate and commanding stage presence. Reyes was forceful, yet she maintained an expression of innocence, even when disagreeing with Captain von Trapp (Braedan Halverson). Her endearing naivety and Halverson’s adorable awkwardness gave the couple charming chemistry. Halverson was also superb, progressing from the stone-faced naval captain to a loving father.
The von Trapp children brought the family to life. Liesl (Julia Millan) was bright and forthright when she butted heads with Maria and moony-eyed when she fell in love with Rolf (Darcy Clark). Louisa (Sandrine Landriault) was the family clown, making amusing faces and distracting her siblings in time with the music. Friedrich (Ramon Arizo), exuded confidence and caring, while Brigitta (Kari Orellana) was sassy but honest. The younger children were equally adorable.
The Mother Abbess (Emily Millan) was the epitome of motherly affection, with exasperated looks at her bickering nuns and a caring expression reserved for the flighty Maria. Millan expertly delivered a beautiful rendition of Climb Ev’ry Mountain. Also worth mention was Captain von Trapp’s fiancée Frau Schraeder (Jessica Berryhill) who was eventually dumped in favour of Maria.
The sound was ably executed, with all actors wearing microphones while speaking and singing. There were minor problems with the placement of microphones, but the 154 sound cues were skilfully implemented. The sound levels for the many actors were excellently managed, with all singers at the same dynamic and all heard over the orchestra. The stage crew were quiet and efficient and unseen moving large set pieces onto and off the stage.
Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School performed The Sound of Music to great effect with wonderful singing and endearing characters. This performance is another item to add to the list of My Favourite Things.