The Sound of Music as presented by Fortwilliam MS

FORT WILLIAM MUSICAL SOCIETY BELFAST “The Sound of Music” 

Adjudication Performance 27th April 2024 

The Sound of Music is a show that is world famous with millions of people familiar with this gorgeous story of love pain, music, war, and ultimately happiness. The Theatre - a modern ultra-sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing to the eye building is very attractive with a lovely refreshment area inside the door where people sat and chatted, drinking their beverages waiting for the doors to open and there really was a very friendly vibe from the moment I arrived at the door. Front of House was a bit of a let-down for me personally. Although not a part of the production on stage, I believe and have said many times that the Front of House team is representative of the society before they meet the cast on stage. It was not the best experience. At the interval however Ms. Hilary McKee (Hon. Chairperson) and (Hon. Vice Chairperson )Mr. Seamus Hughes came out to meet me and introduced themselves, and the whole story changed unbelievably in seconds. These two amazing people were a joy to speak with and laugh with, and they made me feel so at home. I was so appreciative of their time and utter graciousness and friendliness. It differed from my initial arrival and thoughts due to front of House. Onto the show.

The director of the show was Cheryl O’Dwyer. I must say that I was genuinely impressed with Ms Dwyer’s skill in bringing the story to life on stage. The attention to detail in the set and direction was exceptional, creating a cohesive, engaging production that deeply resonated with the audience. The production had a great flow and kept the audience engaged, making them feel a part of the story. The set visual and quality was excellent on different levels with an exceptional attention to detail. The statues were striking and the Von Trapp House was simply fabulous. Ms O’Dwyer is a strong director with a lovely vision, evident in this beautiful production. It was such an enjoyable show from start to finish; I felt I could touch the story and the characters. 

The Musical Director for this production was Ciara Bowman. Ms Bowman did an exceptional job with the orchestra. The music was performed with great skill and precision, adding depth and emotion to the already engaging production. The orchestra's accompaniment of the various songs was beautiful and added a layer of richness to the performance. Highlights included the iconic song "Maria," performed beautifully, with a lovely balance between the orchestra and the singers. This song truly shone and captured the essence of the character. The same could be said for "My Favourite Things," performed with great energy and precision. The orchestra's accompaniment was perfectly timed, adding a delightful layer to the performance. Great job on Musical Direction and the results were evident. 

The Choreographer was Maire Campbell. Ms Campbell's talent added life to the production from start to finish. The opening number, "The Sound of Music," was impressive. The movements were well-coordinated and perfectly timed, setting the tone for the rest of the production. The "Do-Re-Mi" number was playful and fun, with the children's performance heart-warming and entertaining. The "Lonely Goatherd" number was also beautifully choreographed, capturing the playful nature of the song perfectly. The performers executed the choreography with great skill and precision, making for a visually stunning performance. 

"Sixteen Going on Seventeen" was another highlight, bringing the chemistry between Rolf and Liesl to life on stage. Ms. Campbell's choreography perfectly complemented the soaring music, and the performers executed the movements with great skill and emotion, leaving the audience in awe. 

The Stage Manager was Andrew Devonshire. This set was simply a vision. The grandeur and elegance of the convent walls and the Von Trappe home moved impeccably and smoothly throughout the production. The set design in itself was nothing short of spectacular. I loved the enormous statues of the Lions as if standing guard and the gorgeous rose window of the convent. The attention to detail was remarkable, and the various scenes were brought to life with great skill and precision. The set was a vision and incredibly versatile, allowing for seamless transitions between scenes without interrupting the flow of the story. The use of various levels and platforms added depth to the overall production. It allowed the performers to utilize the entire stage effectively, giving the nuns and the children different levels to act. The design of the von Trapp family's home was particularly noteworthy, with its intricate details and beautiful aesthetics. Superb Sets. 

The lighting was beautifully executed which created an exceptional atmosphere that complemented the various scenes and added to the audience's overall experience. The lighting effects were well-timed and perfectly coordinated with the music. The use of colour was particularly noteworthy, with each scene having its unique colour scheme. The spotlights were well executed, highlighting critical moments and characters on stage. 

The sound was simply super. I never struggled to hear anything; there was a gorgeous balance between the Orchestra and cast, and the excellent sound enhanced the emotion of this already pretty and picturesque show. The use of various sound effects, such as the sound of the rain and thunder, added to the overall atmosphere of the production. The sound design team also balanced the various audio elements, ensuring none were too overpowering or distracting. Overall, the sound design and its sheer success played a huge role in the overall resounding success of this production. 

The attention to detail in each area was evident in every scene, and the various elements came together seamlessly to create a visually stunning and emotionally engaging production. The technical presentation played a significant role in bringing the story to life on stage. I loved this set from the moment I arrived at the theatre, and there was a striking picture of elegance and beauty before me. Bravo. 

The costumes in this production were exquisite. The dresses Maria wore were particularly noteworthy and so pretty (even the old dress upon your arrival at the Von Trappe household !). Marias' costumes flowed beautifully, looked fabulous, and were very appropriate. The costumes worn by the Von Trappe children were also well done. They were playful, colourful, and age-appropriate, adding a layer of innocence to the production, and I loved all of them. The costumes worn by the nuns were simple yet elegant and looked very comfortable while also giving them a classic and timeless look. Captain Von Trapp’s costumes were very befitting of a man of his stature and social standing in the community, and the costumes for all in the “Song Long Farewell” scene were so pretty and colourful. The costumes were indeed very appropriate and visually looked good. 

The hair and makeup in the production were good. Maria’s hair was styled beautifully, and the makeup was subtle yet elegant, adding to the character's charm and beauty. Captain Von Trappe's hair and makeup were also well done. The hair was styled classically and timelessly, and the makeup was subtle, adding to the character's strength and vulnerability. 

The use of props in the production was excellent. The props used in the opening number and the guitar were a nice touch, adding a layer of authenticity to the production. The props used in the "Do-Re-Mi" number were playful and fun, and they helped to create a sense of joy and innocence. The use of the puppet theatre in the "Lonely Goatherd" number was particularly noteworthy. The puppet theatre was well-designed. The props used in the supporting cast scenes were also well done. The visuals were well coordinated and helped create a cohesive and engaging production that resonated with the audience. There is particular mention of the scene where the nuns are cleaning and talking about Maria. The brooms, the laundry basket, the watering can, and the little plants created a beautiful scene and one of the nuns' homely and everyday ordinary life. 

Hannah Cairns played Maria Rainer. Ms Cairns portrayed beautifully the character's journey from a young, free-spirited postulant to a confident, strong-willed governess with excellent acting and talent. Ms Cairn's singing voice was beautiful, and her energy on stage was contagious. I loved the entrance of Ms Cairns coming down through the audience singing (beautifully ), and we soon could see that this lovely young lady, Maria, was charming and captivating, and her chemistry with Captain Von Trappe was undeniable. You had a gorgeous rapport with the Von Trappe children; there was a natural feeling of real family when you were with them on stage, and you all acted well together. Ms Cairns, as a critical character in this most famous production, you were a lovely Maria, gorgeous vocal, and this part was made for you. Beautiful role. 

The part of Captain Von Trapp was played by Kerry Rooney. From the get-go, Mr. Rooney was authoritative, dismissive, a leader, and a gentleman who travelled constantly with a manner and costume that was suave, wealthy, and sophisticated. His singing voice was powerful, and his chemistry with Maria was evident throughout the production. Mr Rooney was touching and heart-warming, bringing great depth to the character's emotions and struggles. Lovely voice, and a particular highlight for me was the beautiful Edelweiss. Beautifully cast and played. Watching you in this lovely role that you made your own was a joy. 

Sarah Minford played the part of the Mother Abbess. Ms Minford sang with a controlled and lyrical tone. A powerful and inspiring, world-known number, Ms Minford commanded the stage with confidence and grace, and one of the standout moments in the show was the magnificent “Climb Every Mountain,” which was breath-taking and emotionally touching. Ms Minford's scenes with Maria were charming, and these two characters had a beautiful friendship and respect. 

Rory Jeffers played the character Max. Rory Jeffers, you brought a smile to my face every time your presence graced it with your fantastic, funny facial expressions, total drama, humour, and presence. And I must say that his performance was delightful. Mr. Jeffers brought so much fun and energy to his role. His singing voice was impressive, and his chemistry with the other characters was engaging. Mr. Jeffers was a highlight of the production and added a unique layer to the story, a simply marvellous Max. It was a superb performance, Well done. 

Beth McNally played the character of Elsa Schraeder. It is a great part, and the costumes were lovely. I did feel, sometimes, your character could have been even more over the top and dramatic with more of an exasperated drawl to your speaking voice as if life in the Von Trapp family household was so dull and so beneath you. Overall McNally’s performance was excellent. Her singing voice was beautiful, and in this performance as Elsa, added an exciting layer to the story and was a pleasure to watch. 

The Von Trappe children were played by many excellent actors who stole the show. Sarah McCallion as Gretl, Anna Magee as Marta, Juliette Loughrey as Brigitta, David McKenna as Kurt, Rose Magee as Louisa, and Ella O’Carroll as Friedrich you were all simply gorgeous, heart-warming, and entertaining, and the highlight of the show for me. The children brought their unique personalities to the characters, and their interactions with Maria were consistent and delightful to watch. Their singing voices were impressive, and their performances as a group were simply gorgeous. I loved your singing; you stuck together as one, “So Long Farewell” brought a lump to my throat. “My Favourite Things” I was still singing that on my journey back to Wexford. Gorgeous. 

Pearce McFall played Franz's part. Butler to the Von Trapp family. He was a lovely character in the beginning and played the part well; a beautiful costume, and he was sad at the end when he defected to the Nazi Party and Herr Zeller. He had good, distinct diction and played the part well. 

Ditanya McKinty played Frau Schmidt. The housekeeper to the Von Trapp family is a warm and gracious lady with a knack for conveying her emotions without saying much. This part was played very well, appropriately at all times, and most respectfully. 

Sarah Rooney played Liesl. The chemistry between Liesl and Rolf was evident, and Ms Rooney's interpretation of Liesl's journey from a naive young girl to a more mature and understanding young woman was remarkable. Ms Rooney's voice was lovely and so sweet, and "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" was simply a gorgeous vocal. Ms Rooney looked beautiful in the part, and this was a very well-cast role. Well done, Ms Rooney. 

Jonathan Ardies played the part of Rolf. Mr Ardies, portrayed quite a complex character. Lovely chemistry between Rolf and Liesl and it was evident throughout. The performer's voice was solid. "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" was sung beautifully. Mr. Ardies had a lovely stage presence and did an excellent job in this role through a myriad of emotions, bringing this character to life. 

John McShane played the part of Herr Zeller, and Admiral Von Schrieber by Drew Reid respectively. Small but critical roles. Herr Zeller, a character representing the Third Reich, and Admiral Von Schrieber, representing the German Navy. They both acted very well, and with just the right level of disdain for anyone who would not follow them. Mr McShane and Mr Reid made both these characters striking and significant in the overall story. Great costumes! 

Sister Bertha was played by Zoe Barr, Sister Margaretta was played by Cathy McAlmont, and Emma McCourt played Sister Sofia. Sister Bertha was played beautifully, and Ms. Barr brought out the character's humour and sense of fun and wit. 

The chemistry between the three nuns was evident on stage, and Sister Bertha's interaction with the other nuns was heart-warming and entertaining. Ms Barr did an excellent job of conveying the character's strict adherence to rules and regulations, adding authenticity to the production. Sister Margaretta’s character (Cathy McAlmont) was also portrayed well, with Ms McAlmont bringing out the character's kindness and compassion. Sister Margaretta’s interactions with the other nuns were charming and delightful, and these three nuns were very good together. Finally, Sister Sofia was played by Emma McCourt. Ms. Mc Courts' gorgeous wit and fun came alive on stage. 

A lovely connection between these three ladies meant I looked forward to them being on stage and their lighter moments, which were so enjoyable. 

The Chorus were excellent, with a lovely sound and harmonies consistently lifting the humour and the atmosphere. There was a rare and beautiful passion in this Chorus; you sang with such power and feeling that each time you arrived, I looked forward to you singing. This production had massive, big numbers; you nailed them all with the power of your vocals, breathing, and melodic sound. Bravo. 

I thoroughly enjoyed your show. The Sound of Music is iconic and you certainly did it more than justice. The sets, cast and crew were super on stage and the audience left feeling fabulous. I wish you all the best for the future and thank you for a fabulous evening’s entertainment. 

Caroline Daly Jones 

Sullivan Adjudicator 2023/24

Photographs...Ben Bland and Brian Fitzpatrick.