The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music opened the last leg of the Australian Tour at The Crown Theatre Perth on September 15. Still feeling fresh and vibrant, this production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is lavish, with beautiful costuming and sets highlighting an excellent cast.

Amy Lehpamer is a charming and likeable Maria, with a beautiful soaring voice and a delightful demeanour. Cameron Daddo is a handsome and stately Captain Von Trapp, who travels a wonderful journey as he realises his love for the young governess. Johanna Allen’s Mother Abbess is beautiful voiced and has a lovely gentleness behind her firm exterior. Lorraine Bailey is an audience favourite as Frau Schmidt, David James brings humour to the role of Max Detweiler, while Marina Prior is simply stunning as the Baroness Schraeder.

Stephanie Jones is a gorgeous Liesl, working beautifully with a new cast of WA based Von Trapp siblings and creating a lovely relationship with Rolf, played with depth by Du Toit Bredenkamp.

The new additions to the cast, the Perth children, are delightful. On opening night, Saoirse Gerrish shone as precocious Brigitta, Sebastian Coe (Friedrich) received spontaneous applause for his high noted ‘Goodbye’ and Luca Priolo is a sweetly lisping Gretl, lovely performances from Bianca Thomas (Louisa), Thomas Denver (Kurt) and Claudia Drinkwater (Marta). A second cast featuring Sebastian Cruse, Maddison Thomas, Austin Matthews, Remy Hanson, Ava Sharp and Taisen Carlino play alternate performances.

Nearing the end of a long run, The Sound of Music is a top-notch production which will enchant even those who have seen the show multiple times. A treat for eyes and ears, with a lovely feel-good ambience.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: James Morgan