An oldie but a goodie, The Sound of Music returns to Singapore this November with a brand-new international production. The original 1959 Broadway show by Rodgers and Hammerstein (and the more popular 1965 classic starring Julie Andrews) follows the moving true story of Maria, a young postulant-turned-governess. Watch as she transforms the lives of Georg von Trapp, a widowed naval captain, and his seven children through music in the months leading up to the Anschluss: the annexing of Austria by Nazi Germany.
There’s lots to love including the outstanding showwomanship of Jill-Christine Wiley as Maria Rainer and her undeniable on-stage chemistry with Trevor Martin as Captain von Trapp. The Captain’s cold exterior melts away as the musical progresses, culminating in an emotional performance of Edelweiss that’s sure to leave you a little misty-eyed.
And while productions that deal with the unpredictable temperaments of child actors can often fall short, all seven von Trapp children deliver stellar performances. From 16-going-on-17 Liesl and precocious Brigitta to bespectacled Freidrich and so-adorable-we-want-to-pinch-his-cheeks Kurt, each young actor left the audience aww-ing after their songs and scenes.
But the most breathtaking solo of the night has to go to Lauren Kidwell as Mother Abbess, Maria’s mentor and confidant. She tackles Climb Every Mountain with remarkable power and control, leaving the audience with that uplifting message of hope long after the curtain is drawn – one we certainly will take with us as 2022 draws to a close and 2023 begins.