The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music opened to a deservedly enthusiastic reception at The Regal Theatre. This is a production with with distinctly professional production values and a wonderfully lavish feel and is strongly directed with warmth by Mark Barford.

Sara Chririchilli's set is imposing and impressive, nicely evoking both Nonnburg Abbey and the von Trapp Villa as well as the omnipresent mountains. Jenny Villa's lighting gives the set vastly different atmosphere as we move between locales. The costumes by Kristy Armstrong are conventional, accurate and lovely while sound (David Keys) is nicely balanced and timed.

The sound of the music in The Sound of Music is absolutely superb. The orchestra under the baton of Ian Westrip can not be faulted, while vocally the production is outstanding. ICW's musical standards are simply unmatchable in local productions.

The show opens with the wonderful chorale of nuns. When Captain von Trapp later describes the Nonnburg Abbey choir as excellent, he is not exaggerating. Mother Abbess (Nola Formentin) delivers a glorious vocal performance (reducing my normally cynical companion to tears) and it was easy to see that this powerful, measured woman was once an impulsive young girl. The other principal sisters (Elsie Gangemi - Sister Sophia, Grace Johnson - Sister Berthe and Natalie Fulcher- Sister Margaretta) delivered lovely performances.

Stephanie Gooch's Maria is reminiscent of June Bronhill, a warm full voiced soprano with an unusual mix of elegance and girlishness. Ian Cross is a strict but charming Georg von Trapp who established strong relationships with Maria and the children.

The children are gorgeous. Alexandra Toussaint-Jackson, Adam Di Tullio, Zoe Crisp, Seamus Harrison, Stephanie Shaw, Katie Price and Caitlyn Steele create a believable family and their harmonies (like all throughout the show) are beautifully voiced. All are highly professional and establish distinct, well-rounded characters. Alexandra Toussaint-Jackson is a sweetly naive Leisl whose duet with Rolf, imaginatively choreographed by Ben Franzen, is a delightful change of pace in the show. Jake Tolich (Rolf) is lovely in his first featured role.

Excellent supporting performances abounded including Igor Sas' personable Max, Julia Hern's elegant Elsa Schraeder and Ian Toyne's stern Herr Zeller, as well as family servants played by Donna Williams and Lauchlan Edward Bain.

The Sound of Music is an outstanding production with the standards you would expect of a professional Australian tour. This is an excellent choice for families looking for school holiday entertainment or for anyone wanting to enjoy beautiful musical theatre in Perth.

Kimberley Shaw