What did we love about the latest musical for families hitting the stage for a pre-Christmas run? Read on to find out. But first, sing along with us: The hills are aliiiiiive...
Oh, how we’ve missed the theatre, especially big stage musicals with belting show tunes, opulent velvet curtains, and bubbles at the interval. Even better when you can take the kiddos along to appreciate the arts and see their faces light up with the spectacle of it all. As lifelong fans of the 1965 movie The Sound of Music, we were just a little bit (actually, a lot) excited when we heard the musical theatre version of this beloved story was toe-tapping its way to Singapore once more – it was last on our shores in 2017! Read on for the highlights that hit the right notes, and find out why we are having to stump up for singing lessons and drama classes for our now-wannabe musical theatre stars who joined us on Opening Night…
The Sound of Music begins as it means to go on – with song
The darkened theatre is hushed with anticipation as the opening sounds of church bells ring and the nuns’ voices rise in song. The Sound of Music begins with the beautiful voices of the nuns, the sets, the lighting and the atmosphere combined with the incredibly talented orchestra to transport us to Austria in the opening seconds. I can tell you I almost shed a tear when Maria’s voice sang those famous lines – it really did feel as though the hills were alive!
If you’re not familiar with the story, here’s a quick synopsis: Austrian novice nun, Maria, is causing raised eyebrows in the Abbey, not helped by her propensity for bursting into song in quiet moments. Thankfully, she has Reverend Mother in her corner: Mother Superior, who not only encourages her to ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ but also gives her the chance to discover if life outside the Abbey might be a better fit for her.
So, how do you solve a problem like ‘Maria’? Although packing her off to be a governess to seven kids may seem a little harsh, she aces it one song at a time. So much so, Maria even manages to get aloof Captain von Trapp to break into song and begin to enjoy his children again. And so, the unlikely couple fall in love.
It’s not all smooth sailing…
Sadly, there are dark clouds looming over Austria, and the Captain’s aversion to Nazi control leads to a dash of drama and, of course, lots more song. Throw in a potential new step-mum for the cute von Trapp kids, the chance of singing fame for the whole family and battles of the head and heart for Maria, and you’ve got yourself a musical extravaganza that’s great for kids from around six years and up.
The best bits
So what did we love? The phenomenal cast. No one hit a wrong note, including our incredible homegrown talent. But it was Jill-Christine Wiley reprising her role as Maria that really lifts this production to exceptional heights. Her voice and her nods to Julie Andrews, injected with her own sense of humour and personality, made her completely endearing as the effervescent Maria. Captain von Trapp was the perfect mix of stiff upper lip and silver fox (although, was he as dashing as Christopher Plummer? The jury’s out).
The Austrian Alps in Marina Bay Sands? This is actually possible with the incredibly clever sets. The backdrops felt as though we really were admiring the mountains through the window, and the ballroom scene was particularly interesting as they moved the party ‘outside’ to the terrace so the romantic mood could take place on stage, and it really worked.
Finally, a huge congratulations to all of the incredible kids. All of them are Singapore-based future stars, playing the lead roles of Friedrich, Louisa, Brigitta, Kurt, Marta and adorable little Gretl. Their portrayal in the opening night performance we caught was cute, funny and immeasurably professional for such young actors – well done to you all!
Our verdict – you should definitely go and see The Sound of Music!
For those of us who grew up watching The Sound of Music and harbouring a secret yearning to run away and join a von-Trapp-style-singing-troop, this heartwarming rendition of a timeless classic not only met expectations but blew them off the mountain. The score, the cast, the sets, the costumes: all of it adds up to one amazing musical. Book your tickets to see The Sound of Music Singapore, before the show says ‘So Long, Farewell’… until next time, that is (we’re so seeing it again!).
When: 22 November – 18 December 2022, various timings (including matinees at the weekends, which would be our pick if you’re bringing kids – must be aged four and above).
Where: The Sound of Music, Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
Cost: Tickets from $78
See you at the theatre!