Edinburgh Playhouse – until 24 February 2018. Reviewed by Linda McLaughlan
5*****
This new production by Bill Kenwright of the Von Trapp family is a true version of how the family who were fierce opponents of the developing Nazi regime fled their be-loved Austria but by bringing Maria and music into the family helped ease the burden of their oppression’s.
At the beginning of the performance we see Maria played by Lucy O’Byrne as a young Novice from a Benedictine Convent enjoying some time in the Mountains she has grown up knowing. Precious time away from the strict religious life she has devoted herself too. Maria is given the task of becoming a Governess for the seven Von Trapp children.
The Mother Abbott played by Pippa Winslow in her role portraying the strict Religious figure who through her experience takes advice from the other nuns, but at the same time knowing how Maria ticks and why she finds the convents rules hard to adhere too at times. The Mother Abbott and Maria are both local girls who before taking up religious order, both had similar ideas as described in the song My Favourite Things it shows that they both look outside the convent at their past lives.
The story continues with Maria being introduced to the Von Trapp children by their father Naval Captain Von Trapp played by Neil McDermott. His strict approach shows the audience how he summons his children and staff by the use of a whistle, much to the horror of Maria who promptly refuses to be summoned this way. This causes a little discord with the Captain but he learns to get used to it.
Maria introduces the children to the wonders of singing and music by going through the musical scale Do Re Me which the children take to very well. At first the children are sceptical about a new Governess and at first consider their tricks to get hid of her but hey soon realise that Maria wants to be their friend rather than a teacher/governess. This is seen when the eldest child confides in how she feels about a local boy Rolf Gruber who finds reasons to return to the Von Trapp home delivering telegrams.
The range of music takes the audience through the story of the family’s joys and sorrows and the hardships they overcome together with the favourites such as Sixteen Going On Seventeen, The Lonely Goatherd, So Long Farewell and Climb Every Mountain
This arrangement brought freshness to the night and added a classic touch. Songs which everyone recognised allowed the audience to participate by clapping and singing throughout the performance. I would recommend that everyone makes a family night of going to the Playhouse to enjoy this performance of a classic movie played out on the stage. The evening concluded with a much deserved standing ovation and a fantastic opening performance which everyone associated with the
Production team and performers should be very proud of themselves delivery a truly spectacular performance from the youngest star to well established performers who bring a wealth of experience and talent to the show