There’s no problem with Maria
The Sound Of Music Bord Gais Energy Theatre until Jan 6 Verdict: A festive mountain frolic
IT’S TESTAMENT to the wonderful longevity of The Sound of Music that, as the audience sat waiting for the second act to start, they all sang along to the medley of tunes being played over the speakers. Male, female, young, old — they were all chipping in with a Do Re Mi or a blast of The Hills Are Alive.
The sound filled the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and, I hope, the ears of the cast backstage, who would likely be delighted to know they were preaching to the already converted crowd.
Though not Christmas-themed, the classic film has become a seasonal staple, so what better time to see it brought alive on stage?
The story of the Von Trapp family is widely known, with few coming to it for the first time. For the few who don’t know it, it tells the tale of wannabe nun Maria who is sent to look after a wealthy family of seven children in the aftermath of their mother’s death.
Their father, a navy captain, is incredibly strict and doesn’t allow music in the house as it reminds him too much of his late wife.
Maria, who was reared in the mountains, is horrified by this and resolves to bring joy back to the mansion.
Due to her journey during the show, it’s vital that the central character of Maria is a perfect fit, the right mix of innocence, enchantment, fun and stubbornness. In Lucy O’Byrne, this production has found exactly that. The former runner-up on The Voice UK is naive and charming, but able to stand up to Captain Von Trapp when she feels his actions are not in the childrens’ best interests.
Former Eastenders star Neil McDermott plays the patriarch and after a shaky start in which he doesn’t quite manage to nail the ‘strict father’ persona, he settles into the role well.
The children are wonderfully adorable, with special mention going to Katie Shearman as Liesl, whose wonderful voice and impeccable dancing portray the wonder and fear of first love.
But the night is absolutely stolen by the incredible Celine Byrne. Ireland’s top soprano has a show-stopping voice and as the first act curtain dropped on the final note of her rendition of Climb Every Mountain, it was met by first a stunned silence followed by thundering applause.
Celine has several other up-coming events at the Bord Gais which, if this taster is anything to go by, will be well worth a visit.
A shout-out must also go to the magnificent set designers, with the abbey locations in particular looking stunning.
The Sound of Music runs into the New Year and would be a very worthy addition to any festive calendar. Just start practising now so you can join in the sing-along...