Originally published by L.S. Media. October 14th 2010.
Cast: Marilyn Hill Smith, Connie Fisher, Jennifer Owen, Suzanne Richardson, Ashleigh Richardson, Jenna Boyd, Michael Praed, Tony Kemp, Claire Fishenden.
Everything about The Sound of Music screams success. From the set design, the musicianship, the much loved songs and the choreography, everything that you could want from a musical, The Sound of Music delivered in spades.
For some The Sound of Music will only ever be about Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer’s dynamic in the 1965 film release but there is so much more to this story than the sight of nun’s and Nazis in pre-war Germany.
It really shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone attending the show whilst it is on at the Liverpool Empire that they will see one of the most lavish productions available outside of the London West End theatres this year. The set design was in keeping with the history of the musical and added to the overall feel of the play and with Choreography by Arlene Phillips being performed by the talented dancers within the group, there was no doubt that the musical would be enjoyed by the audience for its authenticity as well as its performances.
The cast in particular carried on the tradition of keeping the musical fresh and heart jerking in parts and much praise must go to the young actors who make up the ensemble, especially Claire Fishenden as the eldest Von Trapp child Liesl who oozed talent which belied her age.
Amongst the established names treading the boards were the fabulous Connie Fisher as the trainee nun Maria Rainer, Michael Praed as the stern hearted but lonely Captain Von Trapp and Marilyn Hill Smith who brought down the house with her rendition of the Mother Abbess. These three actors brought out the very best in a large cast and every song that was sang on the night carried conviction and honesty by each performer.
There is no better sight in any theatre production than seeing a cast on top of their game and giving performances that will be talked about long after the musical has moved on.
A night of sumptuous theatre and music and delivered with incredible style.
Ian D. Hall