Smitten by iconic, timeless musical production
Sir Winston's show is fantastically written.
The audience is joyful and totally smitten.
Beaming with energy as the cast sings,
These are a few of my favourite things.
Spinning and twirling into Austria in the late 1930s, Sir Winston Churchill's performance breathed life into the original “The Sound of Music.” Brimming with iconic musical numbers, heartwarming moments, and life lessons, the show radiates a ray of nostalgia over the audience as the tale unfolds.
Originating from the real-life tale of the von Trapp family, “The Sound of Music” started as a musical in 1959 recounting the story of the famous musical family that used their talent as cover to flee from their homeland in opposition of the Nazis in the Second World War. In 1965, “The Sound of Music” was turned into a full-blown musical film that captivated the hearts of families around the world.
Sir Winston’s large cast brought an extensive variety of talent to the stage, heavy with new performers. In the lead role of Maria, Sarah Fowler was a ball of energy as she blazed around the seven children singing and dancing. Also exceptional was Sebastian Walker's portrayal of his character Captain Georg von Trapp who effectively developed from a figure of authority to a hopeless romantic.
The von Trapp children (Sarina Laundry as Liesl, Tawnie Vickers as Friedrich, Hannah Fowler as Louisa, Nick Chaffee as Kurt, Kelly Samayoa as Brigitta, Aimee Kushniruk as Marta, and Scarlett McAlpine as Gretl) showed an immense amount of chemistry, dramatizing above and beyond the sibling bond which they shared onstage.
Although a few musical numbers lacked the intense range of vocals that were required, the cast overall was able to push through with high spirits. Highlights included the ensemble of nuns who sang together angelically, their voices intermingling with grace. Francesca Reid, in the role of Mother Abbess, blew the audience away with her mesmerizing voice and memorable falsettos.
Led by student conductor,
Josie DiMaurizio, the orchestra was absolutely stellar and played continuously throughout the production. A harmony of violins, cellos, piano, and percussion instruments provided a foundation for the cheerful songs which the actors delivered competently.
Despite minor mishaps in the technical aspects in the play, the sound effects (Nick White), audio cues (Ben Durocher, Sagar Patel), and lighting design (Dawson Woytaz, Shaun Webb) were well executed in a timely manner.
The set for “The Sound of Music” was truly more than what met the eye, minimalistic at a first glance, then unfolding into a transitioning background with a creative use of graphic design (Lauren Crawford).
It is no secret that “The Sound of Music” has quite the legacy and holds a special place in the hearts of its devoted admirers. The key to its immeasurable success is not, however, in the story, or perhaps even in the songs, but of how the element of music became the light at the end of the tunnel during the darkest of times.
Brilliant from beginning to end, “The Sound of Music” will remain a timeless classic which the cast and crew portrayed with an outpouring of passion and enthusiasm. Families are sure to fall in love with the light-hearted musical, laughing the night away.
Wrapping up in the iconic words of the von Trapp children themselves, “so long, farewell.”