It’s no mean musical feat to perform Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s classic songs from their sixties hit The Sound of Music but the students at Roedean pulled it off with aplomb this term.
A double cast of talented singers and performers gave fabulous renditions of all the tunes fans of the show love so well, so much so that it was hard for the audience to restrain from joining in.
The introductory scenes at the Abbey with the singing nuns was a dazzling opening (hats off to the wonderful costume department) and Maria’s first number I Have Confidence showcased great singing talent.
Lola Sahi and Fleur Fulkes, who played Maria in alternating performances, deftly handled the difficult solos throughout and their infectious joy while on stage was a delight to watch.
Olivia Parker O’Connell and Rosa Lawrence, playing the morally ambiguous Max Detweiler, counterbalanced the show’s earnestness with great humour and fun while the actors playing von Trapp children were polished, with great timing – their performance of the classic So Long, Farewell at the party scene was a choreographer’s delight.
The show was performed around Valentine’s Day and director Susan Woodbridge struck the right note with her explanation in the programme that the message of the show was how love can conquer adversity thus visual references to the oncoming German invasion and the Third Reich were minimal.
Special mention should go to the orchestra, on show above the stage, whose faultless renditions of R&H’s showstoppers provided the backbone for the entire performance.
Said Ms Woodbridge: “When I first joined Roedean, I asked people which production they most enjoyed over the time they had worked at the school. They all said the same thing – The Sound Of Music. Since we have been rehearsing, the wonderful skills of the cast have shone through and I have enjoyed reconnecting with this iconic true life story of Maria von Trapp and remember that it was truly my favourite Christmas film!”
Categories: Roedean School
