I had the privilege of being amongst the first to see the 2023-2024 South African production of The Sound of Music on stage at The Teatro in Montecasino. This is the third time I’ve been able to see it on stage and it fills my heart with so much joy every time. Here are my thoughts on this year’s run of the production.

The Sets

Something I enjoyed the most about this production was the ‘stage works’ of it. This was a proper theatre production where sets seamlessly moved in and out to transform the stage. With the clever use of set pieces, lighting, and props, you’re transported to the various scenes of the story. One moment you’re in the dark Nonnberg Abbey, the next you’re out in the open at the von Trapp backyard and garden.

I did not, however, get the backdrop of the play. As you would expect, it depicted the mountains in Salzburg (Austria) however, there were vertical black bars that broke up the image equally. This remained constant throughout the show. It was a creative choice, not a technical issue and it was jarring, hindering suspension of disbelief. That aside, the set pieces were beautiful with visible attention to detail paid to selling the scene, as well as making it practical for the actors to move in.

The Costumes

The costumes were stunning. If you’re a fan of the 1965 film, you will certainly recognise some of the pieces that were recreated for the stage adaptation. Of course, some outfits were different but were still in keeping with the times, transporting audiences to a bygone era. Though designed for stage, the costumes looked convincing enough to wear in 1930s Austria, where the story is set. The costumes were glamorous and fitting for the story.

The Cast

The Children – While there are only seven von Trapp children, 18 actors play these kids, on rotation. This means that every child has to know their lines, and movements, and be able to sing perfectly. This is a tall order for anyone, which is why it’s even more impressive for these children. Ranging from 9 to 16 years old, these young actors show a professionalism that will impress anyone. Trust me, you won’t be able to not smile while the kids perform, and there will be many moments where you can’t help but go, “Awww…”.

The Nuns – The nuns impress every time. Mother Abbess is known for belting out remarkable notes, and this leaves crowds stunned at each performance. Not to be overlooked are the other sisters who not only bring talent but personality to each scene. Lookout for the nuns who are a treat.

Liesl & Rolf – Liesel and Rolf were a highlight for me. Individually, they are both promising actors who are undoubtedly talented and their chemistry together just works. I can’t wait to see their careers grow from here and I know we’re going to see great things come out of these young performers.

Baroness Schraeder & Max – These two characters are integral to the story and both actors made these roles their own, while still embodying the essence of the characters we know from the movie.

Captain von Trapp – Craig Urbani is a renowned actor who has shown his range over the years, leaving fans even more impressed with his capabilities. Urbani is a fitting choice for this role as he brings a sternness with a likable, human side to his performance, in addition to his talent as a singer.

Maria – Brittany Smith is immensely talented and hits every note effortlessly. I realise that the role of Maria is difficult to play because she’s not only headstrong but there’s a naive doe-eyedness to her too. For me, this balance was lacking. There weren’t enough delicate moments in her portrayal. It felt as though we were meant to rely on the love we’d grown for Julie Andrews, instead of the Maria on stage winning us over. Perhaps this was because of the delivery, or maybe it was because of how the play was directed.

The Direction

While I enjoyed the show, I felt it was lacking heart. Technically, the production was flawless, but the main storyline (i.e., the romance between Maria and Captain von Trapp) felt inauthentic and forced. The relationship didn’t show many soft moments; something that I believe could have been solved through the direction.

This feeling was later reinforced, a few days later, when I read the Director’s Note in the programme. “I never really considered the show in any depth. Not until I was invited to direct this production“, writes Steven Stead, the Director. To me, these are not the words of someone thrilled to tell ‘The world’s most loved family musical’, as the promotional material says. This confirmed the feeling I had that ‘heart’ was missing. I just got the sense that Stead doesn’t personally connect with the material, which translated in the adaptation. If you’ve seen it, what were your thoughts?

Final Thoughts

You won’t be disappointed if you love the music and story of The Sound of Music. There’s just something different about seeing it live, and this production is no exception. The Sound of Music is the perfect activity for the whole family to do, from kids to grandparents.

The Sound of Music is on in Johannesburg from 27 January to 25 February 2024. Book your tickets today online at WebTickets or at your local Pick n Pay.