*** (3 Stars)
“Filled with classic musical joy!”
Astonishingly it’s been sixty six years since Rogers & Hammerstein most famous collaboration, The Sound of Music, made its debut in 1959 in Connecticut at the Shubert Theatre before moving to Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre starring the legendary Mary Martin in the title role of Maria.
The show went onto become a beloved classic for generations thanks to the 1965 motion picture adaptation starring Dame Julie Andrews as Maria. The show is also eternally popular with local and community companies and always draws the audiences so it’s no surprise that Edinburgh’s Forth Children’s Theatre have produced there third production of the show which is enjoying a week long run at Broughton High School Theatre and delivers a production filled with classic musical joy!.
The Sound of music adapted from the real life story of the Von Trapp Family singers tells the story of Captain Von Trapp, living in the mountains of Austria finding love again with his governess, Maria, sent to him from the local abbey, she has to discover the powerful truth of love of faith and love of the heart as she wins over the heart of Captain’s seven children. This is set against the turbulence of Nazi Germany’s sweeping power over Europe in the late 1930’s. Can they find true love and freedom? This musical will give you the answer.
This production directed by Aoife Summers, Choreographed by Jayne Orchard with musical direction from Jack Gardner delivers many astonishing performances from a truly gifted young cast but does get slightly bogged down due to its slow pacing and often clunky scene transitions. Given the show already has a lengthy running time (Act one coming in at 90 minutes alone) these longer than needed transitions make it feel all the longer.
That being said performances across the board are excellent especially from the companies leads. Maria McDonald takes on the title role of Maria and delivers a truly charming performance filled with heart and glorious vocals to boot; a career in the industry awaits this talented gem. Harry Aspinall’s Captain Georg Von Trapp shows real acting chops. His journey from strict authoritarian to losing his heart in a way he never though he would again is equally engaging as it is truthful. All seven of the von trap children shine in there moment in the spotlight especially Orla Harrison as Liesel Von Trapp who captures brilliantly the transition of teenage years to adulthood with ease. Special mention also has to go to Elyssa Tait as Mother Abbess whose peerless vocals provides a true show stopping moment to bring the curtain down on act 1.
The thirty strong ensemble company make the most of their stage time and deliver extremely well with Jayne Orchards (assisted by Mirrin Macleay) choreography that not only see the cast dancing but also the sets pillars. The show also features a classy 15 strong pit orchestra under the baton of Jack Gardiner who bring real polish and Gardiner has achieve many spring tingling vocal arrangements from the cast which is impressive given the age of the performers.
Production wise however work is needed to smooth the rough edges. Gavin Macleay’s set design does invoke the Austrian mountains well and the clever use of gauzes allows the orchestra to be brought into the piece but the stylisation of brick work is a strong choice that doesn’t always work. The show is lit well by lighting and sound designer Callum Farrell and given how expansive the venue is the lighting makes the most of its abilities. The sound design does have problems with a few mics failing to come on but this probably more opening night nerves that will ease as the show beds into its run.
FCT’s The Sound of Music delivers well and the directorial choice to really bring out the very best performances from the cast is inspired and if the company can tighten the transitions and smooth out the sound issues then a fourth star is within their grasp.
For now This Sound of Music offers up an engaging night of musical theatre fun that charms its audiences and those performances really do capture from the curtain up! So head to Broughton High School and see for yourself the hills coming alive to the sound of music.
Forth Children’s Theatre, Presents the Sound of Music, Broughton High School Theatre, Edinburgh, runs until Saturday 12th April, For more information and tickets go to: Upcoming Shows | Forth Children’s Theatre
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