The Sound of Music continues to charm

BALLARAT Lyric Theatre has mounted an inspired production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music to mark the company’s sixtieth anniversary.

It’s the same show Lyric staged for their 10th birthday, starring Constance Coward and Robert Lemke.

Under the creative direction of Stephen Armati, the talented baton of musical director, Gareth Grainer, and executive producer Michael Whitehead, the 2023 production stars Jenna Featherstone as Maria, David Sheludko as Captain von Trapp, Callan Lewis as Max Detweiller, and Oriel Forsyth as Baroness Elsa von Schraeder.

Featherstone’s clear soprano is perfect for Maria. She is a vocal joy in a notoriously difficult role. She dances across the score with an abundance of effortless charm.

Playing a famous performance is problematic, but from the opening notes of The Hills Are Alive, Featherstone claims Maria as her own.

Sheludko’s resonate baritone, coupled with his obvious good looks, flawlessly provides the required balance.

He manages the Captain’s transition with a practiced skill. Together, he and Featherstone are well matched.

Callan Lewis’ conniving Max is perfect, and he misses not a beat of the humour. Oriel Forsyth as the Baroness makes much of what is sometimes a thankless role.

Anna Marshall plays the Mother Abbess. Her dark-brown, contralto voice is glorious. Her flawless rendition of Climb Every Mountain provides the perfect curtain to act one.

Maxine Montgomery as Sister Berthe, Rachel Angee as Sister Margaretta and Jessica Wilkinson as Sister Sophia (and doubling as Frau Schmidt) are an ideal trio of glorious harmonies and appropriate religiosity.

The two casts of children are exceptional, and it would not be surprising if Dana Reynolds (Liesl), and Joe Appleton (Rolf) were to make their creative mark in years to come. Already, they are possessed of an admirable stagecraft.

The Sound of Music is a big show to stage and perform. Its success and energy depends much on the individual efforts of the ensemble.

Esther Batchelor, Benj Beatty, Laura Edmondson, Isabelle Farrah, Corey Hall, Bella Harper, Paige Harrington, Ella Harrison, Caitlyn Harvey, Phillip Howden, Grant Johnson, Sophie Jones, Matthew Kaess, Tess Kelly, Charlie McGinniss, Brandon Moore-Trye, Paul Roberts, Samantha Stobie, Katherine van Raaphorst, Caitlin Wessner, Amanda Western, Alexander Western and Ayla Williams are to be applauded, all, for their commitment.

Tori Heenan-Waters’ original choreography is delightful.

Staged at Civic Hall, the venue presents myriad technical problems which require application, including extending the stage and creating an orchestra pit.

However, Armati’s charming production makes it seem simple. He is especially well served by his talented cast and dedicated production crew.

Their combined efforts bring the much-loved show to life with the love and care it deserves.

Not only are the sets a theatrical surprise, they are an inspired, visual treat! Matthew Osborne’s innovative execution is to be commended.

Technically and creatively the production is of an exceptional standard.

The Sound of Music is a near-perfect musicals. Don’t miss it!

Ballarat Lyric Theatre’s production of The Sound of Music runs at Civic Hall from 30 June to 9 July.

Bookings are via Her Majesty’s Theatre or 5333 5888, hermaj.com or [email protected].