The Hills were magically alive with The Sound of Music on Saturday December 14, 2013 at The National Arts Center in downtown Ottawa.
I was thankfully led to the show following a coffee with my long graduated piano student now professional actor/musician Sarah Gibbons, expertly cast as Louisa in her NAC debut. (Sarah also doubles as a nun). It was a treat to witness her talent and potential, which is enormous.
I was thrilled to note the Newfoundlanders involved in this show to include Sarah Gibbons and Petrina Bromley in the cast, and Jillian Keiley, Artistic Director of the NAC.
Artistic Director Jillian Keiley's vision " inspired by you and for you, Ottawa," was to " program the Sound of Music as a little love letter to the city" that is "full of the music and joy".
I am not able to single out any one performer to effect a hierarchy of talent, but instead will state that each and every performer rose in excellence to reveal individuality in interpretation and skill. As several doubled as nuns and housekeeping staff, the versatility of the performers was clear and appreciated.
Thus said, I am compelled to mention Eliza- Jane Scott as Maria, whose constant effervescent energy allowed her to sustain the role with reliable and compelling vocal ability, adapting beautifully from selection to selection. As the show progressed we warmed to her person and followed her every move and nuance, drawn to her expressive portrayal of Maria.
Dmitry Chepovetsky as Captain von Trapp was the perfect monarch, strong, confident, elegant and dapper, captivating in his role and singing.
Petrina Bromley as Elsa, the millionaire girlfriend of von Trapp, realized her role with poise, humor and true elitism. She left no detail unturned in her production, to include her common stance with one heel tilted while standing, which effectively let us know her place in the world of the rich and privileged. I would be amiss to not mention Petrina's talented singing, to compliment her acting of the same.
The children were each unique and colorful, showcasing consistent superior acting, singing, and dancing.
Several tender moments caused moist eyes in the audience, to include the dance of Maria and von Trapp at the party when they both realize they are falling in love, and the favorite "Climb Every Mountain" in reprise at the close.
Outstanding were the orchestra who consisted of a mere three musicians; Allen Cole, piano, percussion, xylophone, Sarah Ross, violin, mandolin, and Beth Sturdevant, cello. These skillful musicians provided the perfect backdrop and support, never too thin, never too thick, never too much, never too little. Bravo!
Choreography was excellent, in its' creation and execution. Scene changes were handled efficiently and invisibly with the movement of actors into the audience to distract from the barely there changes on stage.
It was a production of simplicity, with simple costumes, simple scenery, simple accompaniment, which promoted an ease of execution. A keener awareness of the music and the story line was possible by eliminating fuss and distractions, and the result was greatness.
The show opened with a humorous invitation to the audience to sing along (thanks to Petrina Bromley), which we did at many points throughout to include "Do-Re-Mi", "Climb Every Mountain", and others. Audience participation peaked near the end during the talent competition for which the von Trapp family performed. While the waiting Nazi's sat in the audience near front row and the MC addressed us as the audience of that time, the audience metamorphosed into cast extras at the show.
With a modern twist on a familiar classic, this friendly and superbly coordinated/ executed production of The Sound of Music has wow factor. Don't miss it!
Sally Rowsell is a pianist and teacher from Newfoundland living in Ottawa.
