Pitlochry is very much alive with ‘The Sound of Music’ this Christmas. Pitlochry Festival Theatre are staging a new production of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece until 22nd December 2024. Following Maria Rainer’s journey from nun to governess, set in the Austrian hills during the 1938 Anschluss, this is a profoundly moving and heartwarming story. With one of the most iconic scores of all time, you’ll be singing whilst exiting the theatre.
Kirsty Findlay is a heavenly Maria Rainer. Kirsty’s initial portrayal radiates innocence and inexperience of the world, whilst clearly having a strong head on her shoulders and curiosity at the world beyond the walls of the Abbey. The audience are instantly taken aback by her performance of ‘The Sound of Music’, with powerful vocals and choice of a Scottish accent, which works incredibly well. This is a sublime portrayal which brings you all the warmth you need for the festive season.
Ali Watt carries the sophistication and presence to bring us a stern Captain Georg von Trapp. This is a brilliant character journey to behold, and any coldness presented initially is brushed off as soon as Ali begins to sing, with the warmth of his crisp vocals affecting the entire auditorium. This is an endearing performance which brings us this patriarch in a new light.
Sally Cheng’s Liesl von Trapp radiates the innocence of youth yet holds the maturity to lead the younger members of the von Trapp clan. Sally’s serene vocals bless the number ‘Sixteen going on Seventeen’, doing justice to one of the most beautiful numbers in this musical. Elliot Gooch’s Rolf Gruber compliments Sally’s Liesl, and carries his own with charm, delight and clear inner conflict. The pair work well together to bring the young sweethearts to stage.
Sally is accompanied on stage by her siblings portrayed by a brilliant band of young performers, who do tremendously well to bring their respected characters to life with energy and beautiful voices. The young performers are as follows – Joshua Miranda/Benjamin Barenco (Friedrich), Ailsa Marx/Tanvi Reddy (Louisa), Theo Miranda/Ross Martin (Kurt), Millie Nicolson/Lily McSherry (Brigita), Isla MacGregor/Martha Swain (Marta) and Leva Stewart/Callie Wilson (Gretl).
Kate Milner-Evans breathes modernity and empathy into her portrayal of Mother Abbess. Her stunning vocals bring tears to even the most iron hearts in the audience during her rendition of ‘Climb Every Mountain’. This is an engaging and fresh take on the leader of the Abbey.
Christian Edwards as Max Detweiler brings charm, comic nuance and a profound likeability in his portrayal of music producer. He is accompanied by Ellen Lawford in her portrayal of Baroness Elberfeld. Ellen shows The Baroness’ clear admiration of Ali’s Captain von Trapp and her conflict in his relationship with Maria, with this she delivers a woman with a clear determination in her life. This portrayal shows more strength and passion from Baroness Elberfeld.
The ensemble of this production not only portray key characters but also play instruments in the band, showing clear versatility and talent. The ensemble are as follows – Jack Ward, Trudy Ward, Ellen Lawford, Matthew James Hinchcliffe, Lydia Barton Lovett, Hannah Baker, Angela Caesar and Lee Drage.
Elizabeth Newman’s directorial swan song for Pitlochry Festival Theatre is an utter triumph. Elizabeth’s understanding of the space, the local audiences and the musical itself creates a marvelous piece of theatre, celebrating her incredible run as Artistic Director. The Brechtian style of this production works so well, turning Maria and the von Trapps into Scots is ingenious, with the reliance on the actor’s performance embodied in the production. Ruari Murchison’s set design strips away the large sets for a clever rotating staircase, with some chairs and a bed for a certain iconic scene. Julie Carlin’s costume design is vibrant and authentic to the original text, with Chris Davey’s lighting design being naturalistic and appropriate for each scene. Richard Reeday’s musical design is grand and effective, the only slight criticism is that the actor muso aspect can be slightly clunky at points, restricting blocking, however overall it is a great aspect of the production.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s production of ‘The Sound of Music’, is a delightful warm hug during these winter months. Featuring Scotland’s finest performers and creatives in arguably it’s most beautiful theatre.
Photography by Fraser Band.
Get your tickets here – https://pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com/whats-on/sound-of-music/
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