Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Harlequin Theatre

It is a big challenge to take a well known and loved musical, give the music a new life, the characters a familiar but refreshed perspective and for it to be a huge success. This is what happened at the opening night of Harlequin Theatre's Production of "The Sound of Music" on Saturday night.

Director Pauline Vella has freshened up the known, illuminating the show with nuances that give the familiar a new perspective in a brighter, lighter melodious show that fills the heart.

I've never felt quite so transported to the reality of a 1930's convent or the freshness of a mountain or the sadness of a man who has lost his wife and is too aggrieved to notice his children. This is quite discombobulating (in the best possible way) considering I've grown up with the movie, appeared in the musical twice and directed it.

The singing is sensational. Under the guise of Musical Director Andrew Christie assisted by Vocal Coach Kerry Ackerman the harmonies are on point and the light and shade most definitely in all the right places. Accolades to the orchestra who supported the performers so ably.

Choreographer Ellen-moana Smith has cleverly recreated the familiarity of the moves with doses of quirky and refreshing moments. Watch out for the ' tea - a drink with jam and bread' move and you'll get what I mean. It's all great.

Opening with the sisters of Nonnberg Abbey the singing was that of a top-class choir. Beautiful. Led by Mother Abbess played by Kerry Scurr, she delivers a rich full soprano voice with perfected control and there wasn't a breath to be had especially later on with those high notes of her solo "Climb Every Mountain" which was 'hairs on the back of your neck' stuff. Scurr made the tricky look simple and her stage presence was one of compassion and joy, playing her role from the heart.

It wasn't until I was chatting out the back after the show that I found the words for the voice of Maria, played by Nicolette Nes. Someone mentioned caramel but I'm going to settle for a honeyed-caramel- pleasantly-original voice. She played and sung with the persona of the sweet naivety of a postulant nun and then developed into a loving governess and then a governess in love. Perfect.

Captain von Trapp (Michael Potts) is seriously entrapped in his grief and he delivers this with the right undertones of vulnerability. Loved it and then he opened his mouth to sing. I was speechless. Potts has a voice that is almost too big for the senses. He worked it to perfection bringing us near the point of 'overwhelm' then subtly pulling back. He certainly took the feelings evoked by the music to new heights.
I could literally smell the edelweiss and those top notes - wow. He is a gifted being.

Sara Frigell brought sass and style to the role of Elsa Schrader and we were treated to her light velvet soprano voice. David Burchall was suitably shifty as Max Detweiler.

Rolf the first love of eldest daughter Liesl was perfectly played by Hamish Regan. He was the quintessential young boy of time and place, drawn into the way of the Third Reich but confused in his love. He's got a great voice along with a great look and played the role with ease.

The children were pure delight. They were the traditional look but brimming to the top with personality and confidence, each one a star. Special mention to Liesl (Meg Hargraves on the night I saw it and Monica Ellmers will appear on alternative shows.) I have seen both these young ladies perform before and they have voices and style beyond their years. Hargraves did not disappoint with her 'triple 3' performance and I'm betting that Ellmers won't either.

Contributing to the 'familiar-but-fresh' was the set designed by Adey Ramsel . The light colour palette in a marble and stone effect surrounded the cast and the floor, a refreshing change from black was perfect for the vision of this show. Set changes were seamless and the use of space excellent.

Costumes were fabulous and a special mention to those worn by the children. The curtain outfits and their evening and wedding attire were standouts.

The end of the show came too quickly and the rousing standing ovation was well deserved.

Seats are filling fast and I would recommend haste in grabbing your tickets. It really would be a shame to miss this one!

Harlequin Musical Theatre

The Sound of Music
Harlequin Theatre
563 Pakuranga Road
Howick
30 March - 13 April

Bookings: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2019/mar/the-sound-of-music

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