The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse opened the doors for their first musical of season 2022-2023 with the classic musical Sound of Music with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.
Artistic Director Joseph Meighan and Musical Director Neil Bennett are no strangers to working together, this fabulous duo have produced and created some magnificent productions in their time both at the Garrick Playhouse and at Pendleton College performing arts.
I have been fortunate enough to watch numerous of Meighan’s productions over the years and have often quoted that he has the Midas touch because everything he touches turns into a success, and his 2022 The Sound of Music is no exception. This old classic that marks its 80th anniversary of its first collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein is made to come alive with Meighan’s revival.
If you are in the minority and have never read, watched the film or stage musical then the story tells of Maria (Natalie Hayes), a woman who during her training in the convent is sent out to be a nanny for the strict Captain Von Trapp (Steven Finney) and his 7 children. Maria brings music and love back into the home, but the love wasn’t just for the children but unexcitingly with the captain himself. Set against the background of the German invasion of Austria, The Sound of Music shows that love can bloom even in the most unexpected times and places.
The Sound of Music has won the hearts of audiences worldwide over the decades and Meighan acknowledges in the programme that many aspects of the story are still relevant today, including the strand of the story that echoes the awful regime that is currently consuming Ukraine, which is an unfortunate reminder of history repeating itself. But ultimately The Sound of Music is a story of hope and love against all odds.
The unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favourite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘So Long, Farewell’ and of course, the title song – The Sound of Music.
Meighan’s casting was spot on as always Maria (Natalie Hayes) and Captain Georg von Trapp (Steven Finney) were convincing as the love-struck couple with the audience being witness to some full-on passionate kisses live on stage which would leave anyone hot under the collar.
Natalie Hayes was simply exquisite as Maria with her physical beauty and sublime vocals she had me hooked from the moment she entered the stage. I believe this was Natalie’s debut at the Garrick Playhouse, but I can imagine it won’t be her last, with an already impressive credits of productions this lady is one to watch in the future.
There were several familiar faces on stage from previous shows that Meighan has produced at the Garrick Playhouse, and it was splendid to see their versatility in the roles they played in The Sound of Music. It is always heart-warming to see children on stage in musical theatre and to see children in the audience, which there was an abundance of on opening night at the Garrick Playhouse, my companion for the evening was also a teenager and was blown away by magnificent talent of the youngsters on stage.
Ciara-Alexandra Brooker played the eldest of the von Trapp children Liesl and her rendition of ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ was faultless as she elegantly danced delivering pitch perfect vocals, the remaining six of the von Trapp children were played by ‘Team Rogers’ Barney Magher as Fredrich, Paige Doherty as Louisa, Dylan Williams as Kurt, Elsa Pettit as Brigitta, Isobel Bradbury as Marta and Kiera Brierley as Gretl. All delivered a sterling performance as their individual character with perfect vocals, choreography, and stage presence, well done ‘Team Rogers’ you’ve set the bar high for ‘Team Hammerstein’!
Carmel Price played Mother Abbess and her vocals during the challenging tones of ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain was absolutely flawless leading to a well-deserved rapturous applause by the audience.
Apart from a few nerves, missed microphone timings and volume inconsistencies the show was phenomenal for an opening night, but a shows success isn’t just about the delivery of the script and lyrics by the cast on stage it takes the whole production team to make a triumphant musical.
Huge credit to Neil Bennett for his musical direction, Joseph Meighan for his set design, Louise Pettitt for her elegant choreography throughout the show, also the costumes were perfect for the era which enhance the whole visual delight of the show, James Merrington’s lighting design provided the right ambience for the scenes and the sound team did an excellent job.
Another golden nugget Mr Meighan to add to your acclaim, I applaud you once again for your consistent triumph and another exceptional show.
Well done to all involved, each and every member put their heart and soul into the show with a well-deserved standing ovation at the end.
Grab your tickets whilst you can – the show runs until Sunday 30th October 2022. https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/
The Garrick Playhouse is certainly alive with The Sound of Music.
Reviewer: Katie Leicester
Reviewed: 24th October 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★