The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music
Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Book by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse. Bankstown Theatre Company. Director, Glenda Kenyon, Musical Director Ian Buchanan. Bryan Brown Theatre, Bankstown. July 27 – August 5, 2018

I must be upfront in presenting this review of the music theatre classic, The Sound of Music.

I have known Glenda Kenyon for a long time, indeed directing her as Maria many years ago. I also admit to designing and creating the scenery for this production. Both the direction and design of this production is unashamedly traditional, not a T shirt in sight, or a milk crate or ladder. This production is Glenda’s directorial debut, fitting, as she knows this show so well, having performed the role of Maria on several occasions.

This is a story based on the lives of the Family Von Trapp, for this production performed by members of the Family Von Kenyon, Mum as Director, a daughter as Maria, Dad in a minor principal role and a granddaughter as one of the children. And what is wrong with that? Nothing, as this is a very talented family.

Lauren Eade (nee Kenyon) plays the role of Maria. She has several hard acts to follow, and she does so with aplomb. This Maria is a bit more feisty than many that I have seen, but at the same time endearing. Peter Sahlani is her Captain Von Trapp. The borders of Austria have moved a bit for this captain, but that’s how it is with community theatre. You occasionally get surprises. Mr Sahlani is one of those. A distinguished performer who would melt the heart of any young woman entering his household. With this couple we found good chemistry, in a very believable situation. I think the audience was relieved when the association with Elsa, played with appropriate reserve by Melissa Goman-Finlay, came to an end.

My problem with The Sound of Music these days is the overall length. The scissors are needed, particularly with some of the music. By the time we got to the end of “I am 16 going on 17”, I was expecting to see Liesl’s 21st birthday cake. This scene only works if you have fantastic singers and dancers as Liesl and Rolf. The couple in this production are not fantastic, but do give very competent performances, well rehearsed and likeable. Other principal performers provide equally competent performances, with special mention of Dale Selsby as The Mother Abbess. “Climb Every Mountain” was well presented although the final top notes were a bit of a stretch for this performer.

The Sound of Music requires a good ladies ensemble as Nuns, to do not much more than to sing beautifully. And this they did in spades, a pleasure to sit and listen.

Then there are the children, two casts for this production, which is the norm. The cast I saw was delightful, well rehearsed with the result of polished and delightful performances. Aside from directing the production, Glenda Kenyon also choreographed the show. Simple but effective choreography throughout was well executed by the cast. I pay particular reference to The Laendler performed first by Maria and Kurt, then later with Captain Von Trapp. The latter gave a sensitive moment when reality starts to set in for Maria and the Captain, quite lovely to watch.

Two downers for me were the sight of Maria’s hair when dressed as a Novice and the musical accompaniment. Here we have a score written for an orchestra of at least 18 players including a string section. This orchestra consists of 10 players without any strings - we therefore missed the lushness of the orchestrations usually heard with this piece. Having said that, the musicians did play competently. Part of the problem is the venue, with a very difficult stage to work on, and just nowhere for an orchestra of reasonable size to fit. For this production the musicians are in a small side room, and that accounts for the actual number of players and the final result.

Overall, I enjoyed the production and I suspect that this will be the start of a directorial career for Glenda Kenyon … if you want a nostalgic trip down your favourite memory lane, this is a show for you.

The Sound of Music continues next weekend with Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances.

Bob Peet

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