St Mary's Calne
A whole-school production, featuring girls from MIV all the way up to UVI, signed off the school's 150th Anniversary celebrations with the much-loved Rodgers & Hammerstein classic musical, The Sound of Music.
For three magical nights, the beautifully refurbished Delscey Burns Theatre was the home to the story of the von Trapp Family, the love between Maria Rainer and the Captain, the Nunnery and Mother Abbess she leaves, and the climactic flight from the oncoming Nazi regime in late 1930s Austria.
Framed by Ms Beatriz Vega's beautiful photo-realist sets, and supported by Co-Musical Director, Miss Arthur, and her fine band (which included six St Marys girls!), the cast delivered superb performances across the board, wringing every element of pathos and comedy out of the text to enchant the full-to-capacity audiences.
Special mention should be made for a gorgeously natural Maria from Evie M (LVI), who combined an effortless performance with spine-tingling singing, and Claire D (also LVI) who made for a brooding and dominant Captain von Trapp. Izzy (UVI) brought the house down as the Mother Abbess with a stunning Climb Ev'ry Mountain, Alexandra W and Eva M (both LVI) made a deliciously sophisticated double act as Max & Elsa, and the von Trapp children were vibrant and joyful throughout, aided and abetted by Miss Caldwell's superb choreography and Mr Ellis' astute direction. So lets hear it for Ella and Amy (UVI), Isla (LVI), Coco and Willa (LV), Jemima and Mia (MIV)!
With Co-Musical Director, Mrs Dudley Fryar, also providing stunning direction of the musical numbers, the team was rounded out by a disciplined and energetic stage crew - who made the quick changes and transitions from location to location speed by.
All who saw the show were mesmerised and moved by the triumphant production, one that will remain in the memory for years, and will always be one of 'our favourite things'!
View more photos on flickr.
Mr Duncan Ellis, Director of Drama