ARTICLE

Blasts to the Past with Do-Re-Mi

By InCinemas / 17 Jul 2014 (Thursday)

If you actually sang the words ‘Do Re Mi’, you have likely been bitten by the The Sound Of Music bug and the antidote for that would be treating yourself to a lovely evening with the Von Trapp family at the MasterCard Theatres.

Honestly, we can’t blame you for the musical numbers have stuck with many of us since young. It’s a great family musical we bet the little ones will be humming to the tunes, asking for more when they get home after the show. From my gala evening show on Tuesday, the younger audiences were seen clapping, laughing and singing along throughout the musical. Overall, it was a memorable night.

The Sound Of Music
Date: Now showing till 10 August
Venue: Grand Theatre, MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands
Time:

Tuesdays to Fridays - 8pm
Saturdays - 2pm/8pm
Sundays - 12nn/6pm

Ticket Pricing: $65 - $195

(You can book your tickets at Sistic here!)

The essence of the The Sound of Music truly shined whenever the seven Von Trapp kids were on stage - not as an individual character, but as an ensemble when they skilfully serenade the audience with the melodious tunes and lively choreography. Needless to say, the youngest daughter Gretl Von Trapp stole the show, all eyes were on the cute 8-year-old Chloe Choo as she made adorable facial expressions - from pouting during her military-like march to bursting with glee while bidding ‘So Long, Farewell’ to audiences.

Apart from eldest ’16 going on 17’ sibling Carmen Pretorius who tours with the company, the other children were selected after rounds of auditions held earlier this year. Divided into three rotating groups, the show I watched featured Patrick Friedlander (Friedrich), Oliver Nolan (Louisa), James Bell (Kurt), Mimi Slinger (Brigitta), Carolina Campbell (Marta) and Chloe Choo (Gretl).

The other character that really stood out with her empowering soprano voice was Mother Abbess, Janelle Visagie. During her ‘Climb Ev'ry Mountain’ performance just before intermission, it was an overwhelming surge of emotions when her voice and the orchestra heighten the musical to its peak. Talk about ending on a high note!

It’s never going to be easy when you’re compared the iconic legend Julie Andrews who belts out 4 octaves-high notes with ease. No one, simply no one would want to be in that position, knowing the comparison will always be at the back of the audiences’ minds. What’s more, playing the role of Maria Von Trapp in a classic musical The Sound of Music, which the 1965 film went on to win 5 Academy Awards is an honourable role, but never a simple one to accomplish.

Bethany Dickson charms as Maria Rainer who effortlessly croon the tunes of My Favourite Things, The Lonely Goatherd and The Sound Of Music to name a few. She exudes an energetic and powerful presence on stage, at times overpowering her co-actors like Captain Von Trapp.

On the other hand, the opening act felt a tad inadequate as it seemed like there was something lacking in a musical like The Sound Of Music. As curtains draw, you see Maria Rainer sitting on the ‘mountains’, against a scenic landscape of lush greeneries as she sings the opening number ‘The Sound Of Music’. It didn’t feel like the ‘hills are alive’, nor was my heart beating ‘like the wings of the birds’. Perhaps it’s because of the touring set that had its own restrictions, but I couldn’t help but to feel that underwhelmed by it.

In all, the songs from The Sound Of Music will always be a part of our childhood and this musical relives all the beautiful moments as you subconsciously sing and hum to the melodies. This production is one filled with humour, loyalty and family love that will make your heart go lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo.

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Blasts to the Past with Do-Re-Mi