The Sound of Music Review
By Jake Freeman
Now playing for a limited time at The National Theatre, The Sound of Music, was inspired by the memoir by Maria Augusta Trapp. Maria, a young and free-spirited Austrian nun in training, who is hired as a governess to the seven children of the strict and recently widowed Captain von Trapp. Through music and song, she brings back joy to the family while on the verge of World War II. The production made its debut on Broadway in 1959, then later adapted on film in 1965 starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.
Produced by independent theatre company Theatrical, The Sound of Music is the first of three new musicals to be performed at the historic National Theatre as part of their 2024 season, with The Boy From Oz and A Chorus Line to grace the stage later this year.
This production had a lot to live up to, standing up to such an iconic and beloved film and the good news is that it didn’t disappoint. Although no one was ever going to top Julie Andrews as Maria, Tayla Dwyer comes close. A finalist from The Voice in 2018, Tayla owned the stage from start to finish with her strong vocal energy and entertaining stage presence.
Her female co-stars, Amanda Stevenson as Mother Abbess, Charlotte Holland as Liesl and Kate Thurkle as Baroness Schraeder all performed strongly as well. The child actors, in particular Adeline Baker, as Gretel, stood out. The only let down from the main cast on opening night was John Parncutt as Captain Von Trapp, who seemed both a little stiff and somewhat uncomfortable during his scenes. Finally, the music throughout, led by Kent Ross and a 16-piece orchestra was splendid.
Even though you have probably seen The Sound of Music a million times by now, the talent from this cast and this production makes it all the worthwhile to see it that one extra time and sing along to the nostalgic classic numbers such as ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Sixteen Going On Seventeen’ and ‘So Long, Farewell’. It is one of the few musicals that stands the test of time and can be both enjoyed and appreciated across all ages.
The Sound of Music is directed by Karen Shnider and is produced by independent theatre company Theatrical. It stars Tayla Dwyer as Maria Von Trapp, John Parncutt as Captain Von Trapp, Amanda Stevenson as Mother Abbess, Brett O’Meara as Max Detweiler, Charlotte Holland as Liesl and Kate Thurkle as Baroness Schraeder.
The Sound of Music is now playing for a strictly limited season until 17 March at The National Theatre on the corner of Barkly and Carlisle Streets, St Kilda. The running time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including a 20-minute intermission. It is suitable for all ages.
To learn more about the show please visit –https://tickets.nationaltheatre.org.au/WEBPAGES/EntaWebShow/ShowPerformance.aspx
