A Richly Entertaining Revival of 'The Sound of Music'
Nikolai Foster's revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical has finally arrived on stage, and it is a richly entertaining experience that honors its serious intent. The real-life story of the Von Trapp family's flight from occupied Austria is more than just a melodic tale – it's also a story of personal loss, political integrity, and the healing power of music.
The musical is set against the backdrop of Nazi occupation in Austria, but the tone is more hopeful than harrowing. The title song launches into a rambunctious first half, driven by Maria's dreams and desires for love and family. Molly Lynch shines as Maria, delivering a tremendous performance that showcases her guitar hero flourish. Her character's antics on stage are endearingly full-throttle, with Lynch scrambling through pools and over rocks in Michael Taylor's mountain set.
Meanwhile, David Seadon-Young brings gravity to the role of Captain von Trapp, a widowed father caught between his duty as a military officer and his desire for family life. His character is a walking wounded soul, lost in grief that disfigures his enjoyment of family life. The contrast between his flat, humourless dialogue and the soaring musical numbers created by Rodgers and Hammerstein's collaboration is striking.
The production, directed by Nikolai Foster, ripples with feeling, especially in the first half. This is where the real magic happens, with tune after lilting tune taking center stage. Hammerstein's lyrics are drolly unforced, while Rodgers' melodies filtered to alpine purity create a sense of timelessness and longing.
The second half of the musical is busier, with plot twists and reprises that keep the audience engaged. Seadon-Young delivers Edelweiss with a memorably forlorn defiance, while the little Von Trapps shine in Ebony Molina's choreography, embracing their roles as surrogate family members. The show's central characters are adrift with loss, but Lynch's Maria helps them all to play – to sing, dance, and feel again.
Overall, Foster's revival of 'The Sound of Music' is a richly entertaining experience that honors its serious intent. It's a story about hope, resilience, and the power of music to bring people together in times of adversity. With its talented cast, stunning set design, and memorable performances, this musical is sure to leave audiences humming long after the curtain call.
Nikolai Foster's revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical has finally arrived on stage, and it is a richly entertaining experience that honors its serious intent. The real-life story of the Von Trapp family's flight from occupied Austria is more than just a melodic tale – it's also a story of personal loss, political integrity, and the healing power of music.
The musical is set against the backdrop of Nazi occupation in Austria, but the tone is more hopeful than harrowing. The title song launches into a rambunctious first half, driven by Maria's dreams and desires for love and family. Molly Lynch shines as Maria, delivering a tremendous performance that showcases her guitar hero flourish. Her character's antics on stage are endearingly full-throttle, with Lynch scrambling through pools and over rocks in Michael Taylor's mountain set.
Meanwhile, David Seadon-Young brings gravity to the role of Captain von Trapp, a widowed father caught between his duty as a military officer and his desire for family life. His character is a walking wounded soul, lost in grief that disfigures his enjoyment of family life. The contrast between his flat, humourless dialogue and the soaring musical numbers created by Rodgers and Hammerstein's collaboration is striking.
The production, directed by Nikolai Foster, ripples with feeling, especially in the first half. This is where the real magic happens, with tune after lilting tune taking center stage. Hammerstein's lyrics are drolly unforced, while Rodgers' melodies filtered to alpine purity create a sense of timelessness and longing.
The second half of the musical is busier, with plot twists and reprises that keep the audience engaged. Seadon-Young delivers Edelweiss with a memorably forlorn defiance, while the little Von Trapps shine in Ebony Molina's choreography, embracing their roles as surrogate family members. The show's central characters are adrift with loss, but Lynch's Maria helps them all to play – to sing, dance, and feel again.
Overall, Foster's revival of 'The Sound of Music' is a richly entertaining experience that honors its serious intent. It's a story about hope, resilience, and the power of music to bring people together in times of adversity. With its talented cast, stunning set design, and memorable performances, this musical is sure to leave audiences humming long after the curtain call.