REVIEW: The Sound of Music. Evesham Operatic and Dramatic Society.

We were recently transported to 1930’s Austria to the Abbey where the lovely voice of Jamie Dobbins rang out singing “The Mono Chant”.

Leading Lady Maria (superbly played by Gail Andrews, followed singing “The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music” with the wonderful chorus of nuns.

Maria’s voice was very clear, reminiscent of Julie Andrews.

The show continued delighting the audience with well-loved songs.

The principals were superb with the rich voice of Gemma Bailey as Baroness Elsa Schrader with acting to match. Captain Georg Von Trapp (Michael Bowen) pitched his part superbly gradually softening to the happiness around him, his voice very pleasing. The children were delightful in all their songs and were little stars, I saw Team B, Team A having performed the first night. Big sister Liesl Von Trapp (Marie Edmond) was lovely as the young love interest, singing the duet “I am Sixteen going on Seventeen” with her sweetheart Rolf Gruber (Alistair Hutton), both having sweet voices).

Alison Roberts was believable throughout as the Mother Abbess with her superb voice singing, especially, the difficult song “Climb Every Mountain”.

The supporting roles of Sister Bertha, Sister Sophia, and Sister Margaretta were beautifully sung by Rebecca Barclay, Tracey Wallbank, and Nuala Wooltorton. The roles of Max Detweiler, friend of Capt. Von Trapp (Phil Dobbins), Franz the Butler (Steve Roberts) and Frau Schmit the housekeeper (Sue Emond) were well acted cameos.

The show was very well directed by Greg Pearson assisted by Amanda Goulding.

Jackie Hale.

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