Saturday and I’ve already seen two shows, both same but with different child casts.
NOVA Music Theatre’s latest production of The Sound of Music is unforgettable, accompanied by an astounding orchestra (Peter Grant OAM).
Opening night I see with my piano teacher friend who long ago auditioned for ‘Louisa’ in a professional production. She did well she said but didn’t secure the role, however she has extensive knowledge of all things music, so I look forward to her feedback (LOVED!!!).
Second visit was matinee with mum-in-law; special to sit with someone who saw the legendary original movie in a theatre and this is her next experience – seeing that movie as a stage show for first time! (like me, LAUGHED and CRIED).
A large chorus of Nuns walk solemnly through a full-house to stage. Harmonious opening and in every scene they feature, a wonderful group of singers of all ages.
Playing the coveted role of ‘Maria’ is Lauren McCormack. I’ve seen and appreciated her talents before. Easy breezy beautiful voice on a mountain backdrop instantly recognisable she sings the title song with thankful eyes and true heart for both her character and this huge role honoured to her. Every note, step and expression from first meeting the children as kind and caring, to when she scolds the Captain with fierce protectiveness, is genuine from start to finish.
Playing ‘Captain von Trapp’ is Tristan Everett. He must bring strength in many emotions; controlling, stern, sadness, love, care, anger, worry, and leadership in taking his family out of Austria to safety away from the Anschluss. Tristan is just the right fit, no wonder he has done 30+ musicals.
‘Mother Abbess’ played by Meagan Gaffney – what can I say to even do her justice? Meagan has a vocal career in part as Principal Artist for Opera Australia and her ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ is breathtaking. I can add even the little girl with pigtails sitting in front of me was absolutely still. When this song closes there’s not a person in this room who hasn’t felt it to their core. It was indeed a privilege to hear Meagan sing a song that was an integral part of her musical family upbringing. Thank you!
In many moments with Mother Abbess and Maria are ‘Sister Margaretta’ (Julie Wright), ‘Sister Berthe’ (Bec Muratore) and ‘Sister Sophia’ (Samantha Mason); all fun and I loved watching eye movements and facials communicating often without speaking.
‘Baroness Schraeder’ played by Lauren King (once amongst lucky kids in the Qantas Australia advert), she is fantastic in this posh role and dressed appropriately rich.
‘Max Detweiler’ is played by John Leahy brilliantly! In theatre for over twenty years his lines are delivered with gut experience and comedic interaction. NOVA could not have cast better.
Max Geddes who plays ‘Rolf’ is exceptional; never falters from full commitment every time I see him in a production, showing off his training from graduating at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Samara Trimble playing opposite him is on par as eldest child ‘Liesl von Trapp’, stepping up in this much sought after role to dance beside him and with a gorgeous voice – Samara currently a VCASS student. Their ‘Sixteen going on Seventeen’ is to be commended also in cute choreography (Wayne Robinson) well suited to limits of doing this loved scene on stage. When Rolf jumps on his bike after he lands that famous kiss from Liesl (in moving arabesque) and Liesel squeals with delight, it’s Woo-Hoo for these two!
There are of course some very foreboding moments over and above the love stories. Thunder! Stormtroopers! Swastika flags loom frightening reality. Insightful and scary to when the real von Trapp family survived. Credit due to sound tech, lighting and set construction.
One lighter and more lovely stunning scenery change is when the kids are teaching themselves to dance; a pictured backdrop suddenly goes up revealing a ballroom of exquisitely costumed guests waltzing in the von Trapp mansion. Hats off to costume designer Stephanie Lumb and Director/Set Designer Noel Browne/Brenton van Vliet.
Pamela Braithwaite as ‘Housekeeper’ great accent, along with Ben Geddes as ‘Butler’, Hannah Brodribb as ‘Maid’, David Sly as ‘Gauleiter’, Richard Budge as ‘Baron’ and Michael Capon as ‘Admiral’, they all superbly act their parts.
Finally, the adorable children; those fabulous roles of the other six von Trapps; Gretl played by Harriet Staples/Ivy Hall (both super cute, loved sleeping on stairs), Marta played by Anthea Ellis/Scout Kwong (both super young actresses, loved pink parasol line), Brigitta played by Ella Wursthorn/Arabella Brockhurst (both super expressive, loved you telling Maria your father loved her), Kurt played by Aiden Cooper/Charlie Rainey (both super star actors, loved antics in The Lonely Goatherd), Louisa played by Prudence Rosel/Olivia Simos-Garner (both super convincing, loved advice to Maria) and Friedrich played by Daniel Spillane (outstanding stage skills no doubt on cast-call for many shows to come).
Ensemble applause: Tamsin Ashdown, Amber Gedge, Marina Batikha, Pavlo Bittikha, Lusia Kho, Lauren Bolzonello, Neave McGeehan, Stephen Brennan, Ben Milkins, Madeleine Brown, Davied Nicholls, Stephen Burton, Robyn Parker, Felicity Byrnes, Hannah Powell, Ewan Charlton, Vini Ramesh, Carrie Chiu, Fional Rosel, Miranda Choo, Brian Sweetman, Nicole Cooper, Phoebe Whitehead, Oscar Geddes, Cindy Yan and Kate Judge – extra clap for Kate’s ‘bowing woman’ – played well through to finale, very funny!
‘So Long, Farewell’ this musical will always be one of ‘My Favourite Things’.
To book tickets to The Sound of Music, please visit https://www.theround.com.au/soundofmusic.
Photographer: Gavin D Andrew Photography
