Something Good
Reviewed by Kim Kaitell
There aren’t many souls in our contemporary world who haven’t seen or at least heard of the film, The Sound of Music, but did you know that it was originally produced in 1959 on Broadway and has been performed around the globe and translated into many languages? It is “Something Good” indeed!
The Sound of Music takes place in Austria in 1938 and is based on the true story of Maria Kutschera, a postulant, and Captain Georg von Trapp, a widower who requests the nearby convent to send a governess for his seven unruly children. It is an uplifting story of family values and how love can overcome differences despite the impending doom of war.
This holiday season The Grand Theatre presents this Tony Award winning musical From November 19th to December 29th on the Spriet Stage.
What is it about The Sound of Music that makes us forget the undercurrent interwoven into the story: the horrifying premonition of Nazi Germany and the imminent threat of war.
Why do we forget that a large part this musical blatantly waves the flags of chilling symbolism we collectively know as the swastika, and the swaggering, casual misogyny, racism and anti-semitism of the Third Reich?
We forget because of Maria.
We forget because of her exuberant innocence.
We forget because we want to remember.
We want to remember the childlike wonder she brings to whomever she touches. We want to remember to sing. We want to remember what it feels like to dance, to run wild, to be free.
But, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
Most of us will never forget the iconic performance by Julie Andrews in the 1965 film adaptation. The. Gold. Standard. What a challenge for any director to find that fresh sweetness, combined with vivaciousness and almost stubborn strength, not to mention that sweet, warm, crystalline voice.
How? Dominique LeBlanc is how.
Expectations for the lead in this classic and much-loved story are high and Dominique stepped easily into her role adding an element of a gentle heart and a touch of quick humour. I completely warmed to her portrayal and allowed myself to be led by the joy of her character and mellifluous voice. I particularly enjoyed her when she was teaching the children “Do-Re-Mi”.
Speaking of the children, they were absolutely delightful! In this production there were 13 children divided into two groups performing alternately, the Warm Woolen Mittens cast and the Apple Strudel cast. I had the pleasure of viewing the former and what talent! You cannot pay for natural talent and each of their performances were seamless and thoroughly engaging. I’m sure all of us were singing along silently (okay, some of us not so silently.) Who doesn’t know “My Favorite Things?” Congratulations to the youth company!
However, I am going to admit my favorite thing about this musical was somewhat more somber. The opening scene that takes place in the majestic abbey, setting the tone for the introduction of Maria, was breathtaking. Set and lighting designer Lorenzo Savoini created complete perfection. The depiction of the Abbey with its stone walls, Gothic arches, flickering wax candles and rose window was hauntingly realistic.
But honestly, that wasn’t even the best part. Here we are privileged to meet the Mother Abbess portrayed by the stunning Janelle Cooper who has a voice that will move your soul and burst your heart at the same time. Her rendition of “Climb Every Mountain” caused an uproar from the audience!
Kudos to Director Rachel Peake and her creative team who delivered these gems along with a well-rounded cast and engaging us in a much adored and nostalgic piece, helping us to remember to stay true to our hearts and
“Climb every mountain
Ford every stream
Follow every rainbow
‘Till you find your dream”
If you are a fan of musicals, please grab your bestie and/or your kids and spend an evening at this event.
The Sound of Music continues at the Grand Theatre, London, Ontario until December 29th, 2024. Visit boxoffice@grandtheatre.com or call (519) 672-8800 for tickets.
Photo: Left to right: Crystal Casera, Lilith Carson, Sam Harson, Freya Rajani, Dominique LeBlanc, Lucas Zadorsky, Neela Noble, Alba Evora Weiler. Photo by Dahlia Katz.
The Sound of Music
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse
Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp
Directed by Rachel Peake
Musical Direction by Alexandra Kane
Choreography by Ainsley Hillyard
Set and Lighting Design by Lorenzo Savoini
Performed by Crystal Casera, Janelle Cooper, Jeff Culbert, Donna Garner, Andrew Hodwitz, Dominique LeBlanc, Annie Ramos, Adam Stevenson, Éamon Stocks, Curtis Sullivan, Robin Wilcox, Trade Calder, Finley Campbell, Raya Campbell, Lyla Couch, Oforiwa Ofori, Junior Van Geffen, Lilith Carson, Sam Harson, Neela Noble, Freya Rajani, Alba Evora Weiler, Lucas Zadorsky et al.
Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St., London
November 19 to December 29, 2024
Reviewed by Kim Kaitell