The Hills Are Alive... at the MBS Sands Theater
The hills are alive... with The Sound of Music....
This legendary musical film has warmed and is still warming hearts of all ages from all around the globe. Fans could never forget Julie Andrews' legendary turn on the hills when the film starts. As a huge fan of the film (and Julie Andrews) myself, I actually lost count as to how many times I have actually watched this amazing movie, and you know what? - I am only 25!
My love for this movie was so great that I wouldn't forgive myself if I missed the opportunity to watch this musical live. And guess what, after lots of begging and praying, it finally happened! The Sound of Music is staging live in Singapore! Though it's not going to tour in Malaysia, I am still glad it came to somewhere near me. I mean, at least it's reachable (and more affordable).
I managed to pull my friends along to this watch The Sound of Music Live! despite the fact that we have to fly all the way to Singapore. We flew to Singapore (from Penang and KL respectively) last weekend to catch the magic. And seriously, it was the best decision we have ever made! (well, at least to me)
If you are still undecided as to whether or not you should spend your cash on this, let me share with you my maiden review on a stage production.
 |
| Credit: SISTIC Singapore Official Website |
The Cast
The icon of the show, the lead of all leads, is none other than the actress (Carmen Pretorius) playing Maria. Truth to be said, she was convincing as the Maria I saw in the film. Funny, charming, and lovely at the same time. Her singing - wonderful. Though it was indeed difficult to match the incomparable Julie Andrews, Cameron did a great job to the extent that you may think you have heard Julie Andrews singing on stage. Her acting was nothing less than great. Her vocals and emotions fitted the production perfectly. All in all, she was a great Maria. I mean, what more can you ask for in a stage production - the live audience makes acting and singing more difficult than ever.
The captain was stern and stubborn as expected. He had a straight face - just like the Captain we saw in the movie, proving that they have picked the right person (Nicholas Maude) for Greog Von Trapp. But beyond his sharp eyes, you could see care and warmth within - he is just like a man trapped in an iceberg waiting for the sun (in this case, Maria) to free him. You could hear people around you weeping when the captain first heard his children singing. The scene was so palpable almost everyone in the theater got affected (me included). I thought I was tearing (read: crying) all alone, until I heard people around me weeping. That's how you know the scene was excellently projected.
And yes, the Von Trapp children. Besides Liesl (Zoe Beavan), the rest of the children were portrayed by students living in Singapore. And oh jolly, they are so good for their age! I didn't even know some of them are Singaporeans until I flipped the programme booklet (which I bought for SGD 20). They were funny, cheeky and adorable. I have nothing much to say about the children except for giving them a big thumbs up! Bravo children, bravo!
The rest of the casts did excellently for their respective roles - you could practically see the characters like they were in the film. Though they were all great, I personally think Beavan was not the right pick for Liesl as her tall build made her unconvincing as a 16-year-old teen (even Rolfe looks younger than her). But still, kudos to her for a job well done!
The Musical Numbers
I was so touched when I found out all of the songs in the film were adapted into the musical, with a few additions so that Max and Baroness Schraeder have their chance to belt their vocal chords (they were great as well). Our favourite musical number? - the one and only Do-Re-Mi. The audience were not only singing along, they are clapping along (softly) as well! This song had the loudest applause of the night - as the children did incredibly great to match up with the Fraulein Maria they still hate (spoiler!). My friends' personal favourite - Climb Every Mountain was sung with much tender and soul (here's when people started weeping again) that I actually like how it was portrayed despite it being my least favourite song from the film. Mother Abbess' (Janelle Visagie) voice sang right through our hearts, with the meaning of the song diffused gradually into our souls. This song was known to be the most meaningful song of the film and now, I finally know why.
The Sets
The sets were extravagant and not to mention, the transition of sets was so well done that even we failed to realise that it has been changed. Our favourite set is in the Captain's ballroom where the Von Trapp family held their first ball after the passing of the Captain's first wife. And also, the church scene where Maria marries Georg was amazing as well. At times I really wonder how was it possible to fit huge movie sets into a small stage. Well, believe it or not, the production team executed them perfectly.
Overall
So what are you waiting for? Show's closing in 5 days - get your tickets at SISTIC now!
***
This post is part of my Back to My Second Home - Singapore series. Keep a lookout for my experience in db Bistro - one of the atas restaurants situated in The Shoppes in Marina Bay Sands.
***
Instagram: @musicgerald
Feel free to link my blog to yours, and share this post to your friends if you find it useful.
Questions? Comment below!
Comments
Post a Comment