The Sound of Music

Photo by Seanna Kennedy.

Featuring a superstar cast, the Lower Ossington Theatre's ambitious new production of the beloved musical The Sound of Music rises to the occasion in the very first scene, as the nuns of Nonnberg Abbey sing "Preludium," a beautiful introduction to the audience’s first glimpse of Maria (Michelle Nash). Nash is perfectly cast as Maria, almost childlike in her innocence and enthusiasm for life. However, as the nuns put so perfectly, Maria’s exuberance and spirit are not assets to the Abbey, and she is unwillingly sent away by Mother Abbess (Adeen Ashton Fogle) to serve as a governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp (Barrett Morrison).

In the stage production of The Sound of Music, “My Favourite Things” is a song shared by Mother Abbess and Maria, to show the closeness of their relationship before Maria’s departure, and is highly effective in this production in illustrating Maria’s love of life and music. Upon her arrival at the Von Trapp home, Maria meets all seven children, Liesl (Jayne Peters), Friedrich (Emma Helm), Louisa (Jeri Leader), Kurt (Gabriel Higazi), Brigitta (Margot Lariviere), Marta (Tara Wilson-Moola), and the adorable Gretl (Hannah Levinson). The songs performed by Maria and the children are the true highlight of this production—perfectly choreographed and joyful, they truly bring out Maria’s developing relationship with all seven children and are a delight to watch. Director Jeremy Hutton also makes excellent use of the stage, which is set up to resemble the sprawling Von Trapp home complete with a stately white staircase and French doors in the centre.

Where Lower Ossington Theatre's production suffers, is in its portrayal of Maria and Captain von Trapp’s relationship. Their story is unfortunately rushed into quickly, without chemistry or tenderness, which takes away any believability for the audience. However, what The Sound of Music lacks in relationship development, it makes up for in the quality of the musical numbers and the costumes, which are beautiful to behold. Major highlights of the production include “Do-Re-Mi” and “The Lonely Goatherd," as well as any scene featuring the scene-stealing Levinson as Gretl.

The Sound of Music is on stage at the Randolph Theatre until May 3. Visit lowerossingtontheatre.com for more information and to buy tickets.