REVIEW
SOUTHEND OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY
present
Rodgers and Hammerstein's
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
at the Palace Theatre from 26-29 April 2023
SOUTHEND OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY
present
Rodgers and Hammerstein's
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
at the Palace Theatre from 26-29 April 2023
There can’t be many people who aren’t familiar with the music and songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. The classic film made in 1965 and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer was the recipient of five Academy Awards, including best picture following successful Broadway and West End theatrical productions. There have also been numerous revivals of the show over the years, proving the popularity of the story inspired by the real life Maria Von Trapp. It wasn’t surprising, therefore, to see an almost full house at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff for the show’s opening night.
Anticipation was high and at curtain up we were greeted by the most wonderful goose-bump inducing preludium from the Sisters of the Abbey who produced some truly outstanding and beautifully sung harmonies here.
Sarah Mayes takes on the vocally challenging role of Mother Abbess and is at her best when supported by the ensemble of nuns. (How Do You Solve a Problem Like) Maria again provides some bang on harmonies and nicely worked choreography and likewise in the Wedding scene later on in the show.
We are then introduced to Maria, who is about to leave the Abbey to go and work as a governess for the widowed Captain Von Trapp’s seven children.
Set just before World War 2 and the prominence of the Nazi invasion into Austria, the story takes us on Maria’s journey from a young postulant nun questioning her faith, to a woman discovering her true feelings, who finds herself falling in love with the Captain after also winning over his children’s affections too.
The role of Maria is a huge mountain to climb (sorry, couldn't resist) and is nicely played by Mary Bloss, who starts off perhaps a little tentatively in her first number, The Sound of Music, but swiftly gains confidence as the show moves along and her vocals are just wonderful in every single song she has, including My Favourite Things, I Have Confidence and The Lonely Goatherd to name but a few.
It’s always a bit of risk casting children in am dram productions; they can sometimes be a tad too stage-school(y), however, the children playing the roles of Friedrich (Marshall Hawkes), Louisa (Hannah Moss), Kurt (Blake Williams), Brigitta (Lily Jackson), Marta (Alicia Dalipi) and Greta (Ameli-Roze Dalipi) were all perfectly cast. Do-Re-Mi really proved what fabulous little performers they are and So Long Farewell was a delight. They are all future stars in the making.
Eleasha Hammond is also just perfect as Liesl, although I wasn’t completely convinced that Charlie Evans-Rouse as Rolf was equally as well cast, despite putting in an excellent committed performance. That said, they both performed a fantastic rendition of Sixteen Going on Seventeen which had a nicely played comedic spin to it, along with some watchable, well worked choreography.
Simon Lambert makes a good fist in the role of Captain von Trapp although I would have liked to see a little more depth in his performance of the strict Navy father whose hardened heart is gradually softened by his children’s governess.
For a masterclass in characterisation we need look no further than Jonny Buxton who performs his socks off in the role of Max Detweiler.
Naturally we have to mention Dick Davies who, not only is playing the role of Franz for the fourth time for Southend Operatic, but also The Sound of Music marks his 100th performance in an amateur production. An outstanding feat and I am very relieved and pleased to say that Dick did not put a foot wrong on opening night. Huge congratulations! (see article below for more)
It would seem that no expense has been spared so far as set design and costumes are concerned, and sound and lighting was spot on.
Artistic Director, Holly Hallam, has done a great job working with this large cast and choreographer, Samantha Coles, assisted by Eleasha Hammond, has also provided some lovely routines for each number. I particularly enjoyed the Lonely Goatherd number involving the ensemble.
MD, James Green, has clearly worked his magic with the cast’s vocals with this score and the 14 piece orchestra he conducts also provide a great sound.
Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society appear to be back doing what they do best, with some magnificent vocals resounding out across the Palace Theatre stage, with audiences enjoying the comfort and familiarity of a production that offers good old fashioned values and delivers a warmth in your heart as you make your way back home.
Review: Kim Tobin
The show continues for the rest of the week until Saturday, with matinee on Saturday. For tickets go to www.southendtheatres.org.uk
Anticipation was high and at curtain up we were greeted by the most wonderful goose-bump inducing preludium from the Sisters of the Abbey who produced some truly outstanding and beautifully sung harmonies here.
Sarah Mayes takes on the vocally challenging role of Mother Abbess and is at her best when supported by the ensemble of nuns. (How Do You Solve a Problem Like) Maria again provides some bang on harmonies and nicely worked choreography and likewise in the Wedding scene later on in the show.
We are then introduced to Maria, who is about to leave the Abbey to go and work as a governess for the widowed Captain Von Trapp’s seven children.
Set just before World War 2 and the prominence of the Nazi invasion into Austria, the story takes us on Maria’s journey from a young postulant nun questioning her faith, to a woman discovering her true feelings, who finds herself falling in love with the Captain after also winning over his children’s affections too.
The role of Maria is a huge mountain to climb (sorry, couldn't resist) and is nicely played by Mary Bloss, who starts off perhaps a little tentatively in her first number, The Sound of Music, but swiftly gains confidence as the show moves along and her vocals are just wonderful in every single song she has, including My Favourite Things, I Have Confidence and The Lonely Goatherd to name but a few.
It’s always a bit of risk casting children in am dram productions; they can sometimes be a tad too stage-school(y), however, the children playing the roles of Friedrich (Marshall Hawkes), Louisa (Hannah Moss), Kurt (Blake Williams), Brigitta (Lily Jackson), Marta (Alicia Dalipi) and Greta (Ameli-Roze Dalipi) were all perfectly cast. Do-Re-Mi really proved what fabulous little performers they are and So Long Farewell was a delight. They are all future stars in the making.
Eleasha Hammond is also just perfect as Liesl, although I wasn’t completely convinced that Charlie Evans-Rouse as Rolf was equally as well cast, despite putting in an excellent committed performance. That said, they both performed a fantastic rendition of Sixteen Going on Seventeen which had a nicely played comedic spin to it, along with some watchable, well worked choreography.
Simon Lambert makes a good fist in the role of Captain von Trapp although I would have liked to see a little more depth in his performance of the strict Navy father whose hardened heart is gradually softened by his children’s governess.
For a masterclass in characterisation we need look no further than Jonny Buxton who performs his socks off in the role of Max Detweiler.
Naturally we have to mention Dick Davies who, not only is playing the role of Franz for the fourth time for Southend Operatic, but also The Sound of Music marks his 100th performance in an amateur production. An outstanding feat and I am very relieved and pleased to say that Dick did not put a foot wrong on opening night. Huge congratulations! (see article below for more)
It would seem that no expense has been spared so far as set design and costumes are concerned, and sound and lighting was spot on.
Artistic Director, Holly Hallam, has done a great job working with this large cast and choreographer, Samantha Coles, assisted by Eleasha Hammond, has also provided some lovely routines for each number. I particularly enjoyed the Lonely Goatherd number involving the ensemble.
MD, James Green, has clearly worked his magic with the cast’s vocals with this score and the 14 piece orchestra he conducts also provide a great sound.
Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society appear to be back doing what they do best, with some magnificent vocals resounding out across the Palace Theatre stage, with audiences enjoying the comfort and familiarity of a production that offers good old fashioned values and delivers a warmth in your heart as you make your way back home.
Review: Kim Tobin
The show continues for the rest of the week until Saturday, with matinee on Saturday. For tickets go to www.southendtheatres.org.uk
SOUTHEND Operatic and Dramatic Society surprised long-time member Dick Davies to help mark his 100th amateur show.
Dick joined SODS in 1971 and will clock up his 100th production when the society performs The Sound of Music at the Palace Theatre this week.
And to start the celebrations Dick was presented with a framed poster signed by members of the company and a bottle of bubbly ahead of the show’s technical rehearsal on Monday.
“I was totally bowled over,” Dick said. “There were a lot of things I would have liked to have said, and I couldn’t say anything but thank you.
“The main thing that has kept me doing this is that it’s great fun. I’ve never considered myself a natural on stage; I’ve always found it hard work and I still do, but the people and the camaraderie just keep me going. They really are a wonderful bunch of people.
“I’d had no theatrical background at all and had never been into a theatre until I went on stage at the Cliffs Pavilion, but if anyone is wondering what to do as a new hobby then I would thoroughly recommend it, because it’s a great way of life.”
Dick performed in The Student Prince with the society in 1971 and has gone on to do around 80 shows with them, as well as guesting for other groups in Essex, London and Kent.
The journalist, who is well known for his commentary of Essex County Cricket Club for BBC Essex, has no plans to retire from the stage yet.
He has also clocked up many years service on the SODS committee and was made the society’s president last year.
The presentation was made by SODS chairman Sarah Mayes, who also read Dick a letter of congratulations from Southend West MP Anna Firth.
“We were delighted to help Dick celebrate this milestone with his SODS family,” said Sarah.
“He has been a stalwart of the society for more than 50 years and is much loved by all of us in the company. We hope he will be performing with us for many years to come.”
Dick will be playing Franz the butler in SODS’ production of The Sound of Music, which runs from April 26-29 at the Palace Theatre in London Road, Westcliff. Go to www.southendtheatres.org.uk for more information.
From left to right
Pic 1: Dick Davies receives his presents from SODS chair Sarah Mayes
Pic 2: The nuns of Nonnberg Abbey
Pic 3: Team Hammerstein, one of the two teams playing the von Trapp children in the show
Pic 4: Mary Bloss as Maria Rainer, with Team Hammerstein
Pic 5: Mary Bloss as Maria Rainer, with Team Hammerstein
Pic 6: Mary Bloss as Maria Rainer
Pic 7: Simon Lambert as Captain Georg von Trapp and Mary Bloss as Maria Rainer
Pic 8: Sarah Mayes as Mother Superior
All pictures below: Emma Stow Photography
Dick joined SODS in 1971 and will clock up his 100th production when the society performs The Sound of Music at the Palace Theatre this week.
And to start the celebrations Dick was presented with a framed poster signed by members of the company and a bottle of bubbly ahead of the show’s technical rehearsal on Monday.
“I was totally bowled over,” Dick said. “There were a lot of things I would have liked to have said, and I couldn’t say anything but thank you.
“The main thing that has kept me doing this is that it’s great fun. I’ve never considered myself a natural on stage; I’ve always found it hard work and I still do, but the people and the camaraderie just keep me going. They really are a wonderful bunch of people.
“I’d had no theatrical background at all and had never been into a theatre until I went on stage at the Cliffs Pavilion, but if anyone is wondering what to do as a new hobby then I would thoroughly recommend it, because it’s a great way of life.”
Dick performed in The Student Prince with the society in 1971 and has gone on to do around 80 shows with them, as well as guesting for other groups in Essex, London and Kent.
The journalist, who is well known for his commentary of Essex County Cricket Club for BBC Essex, has no plans to retire from the stage yet.
He has also clocked up many years service on the SODS committee and was made the society’s president last year.
The presentation was made by SODS chairman Sarah Mayes, who also read Dick a letter of congratulations from Southend West MP Anna Firth.
“We were delighted to help Dick celebrate this milestone with his SODS family,” said Sarah.
“He has been a stalwart of the society for more than 50 years and is much loved by all of us in the company. We hope he will be performing with us for many years to come.”
Dick will be playing Franz the butler in SODS’ production of The Sound of Music, which runs from April 26-29 at the Palace Theatre in London Road, Westcliff. Go to www.southendtheatres.org.uk for more information.
From left to right
Pic 1: Dick Davies receives his presents from SODS chair Sarah Mayes
Pic 2: The nuns of Nonnberg Abbey
Pic 3: Team Hammerstein, one of the two teams playing the von Trapp children in the show
Pic 4: Mary Bloss as Maria Rainer, with Team Hammerstein
Pic 5: Mary Bloss as Maria Rainer, with Team Hammerstein
Pic 6: Mary Bloss as Maria Rainer
Pic 7: Simon Lambert as Captain Georg von Trapp and Mary Bloss as Maria Rainer
Pic 8: Sarah Mayes as Mother Superior
All pictures below: Emma Stow Photography
Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of The Sound of Music this month marks three milestones for the company
Read More below...
Photo Credit: Emma Stow Photography
|
Not only will it be the 130th anniversary of the society’s first production, Robin Hood, back in 1893, it also coincides with the 80th anniversary of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s first collaboration, Oklahoma.
But the production also marks the 100th show for veteran acting member and society president Dick Davies, who will be playing Franz, the butler. Dick joined SODS in September 1971 and performed for the first time in the society’s production of The Student Price at the Cliffs Pavilion later that year. He was spotted enjoying a post-match sing-song at Westcliff Rugby Club by SODS member Roland Darvell, who suggested Dick join the society. “Roland said: ‘If you can sing here, you can do it on the Cliffs Pavilion stage’,” Dick recalled. “I resisted, but he said there was a very good social scene and the women outnumbered the men by two or three to one. “He obviously knew my Achilles’ heel, and three days later I was at a rehearsal and then did the show. “To be honest, I can’t say that I was hooked, and I felt out of place, but I enjoyed the social scene. I don’t know what changed my mind, but I stayed and then did 33 consecutive shows.” |
It helped that most of his friends were in SODS and that the two show weeks a year were always fun. Dick remembers a barrel of beer being in the men’s dressing room for every show, with the Cliffs Pavilion inviting members of the company to set it up a few days beforehand, in order to let it settle.
“It was different culture back then, and over 50 years it has changed enormously,” added Dick, who lives in Leigh-on-Sea. “I wouldn’t say it’s any better, it’s just different and you have to accept it.”
As he got more performances under his belt, Dick was occasionally approached by other societies that asked him to take part in their productions. He trod the boards with companies in Essex, London and Kent, but around 80 of his 99 shows so far have been with SODS.
His centenary performance will see him play Franz for the fourth time for SODS, with Dick admitting: “I’m not talented enough for big parts, and it does become harder to remember lines and songs the older you get.
“What’s always been my weakness is where I enter the stage. Thankfully in this show every time I come on it’s from the same place. Theoretically I can’t go wrong, but I’m sure I’ll mess it up!”
“It was different culture back then, and over 50 years it has changed enormously,” added Dick, who lives in Leigh-on-Sea. “I wouldn’t say it’s any better, it’s just different and you have to accept it.”
As he got more performances under his belt, Dick was occasionally approached by other societies that asked him to take part in their productions. He trod the boards with companies in Essex, London and Kent, but around 80 of his 99 shows so far have been with SODS.
His centenary performance will see him play Franz for the fourth time for SODS, with Dick admitting: “I’m not talented enough for big parts, and it does become harder to remember lines and songs the older you get.
“What’s always been my weakness is where I enter the stage. Thankfully in this show every time I come on it’s from the same place. Theoretically I can’t go wrong, but I’m sure I’ll mess it up!”
Photo Credit: Roger Young
Dick, who is well known to BBC Essex listeners as a cricket commentator, added: “I married a dancer in the society (Sarah) and despite that, I still need several guesses as to which is the right and which is the left foot.” He is relieved that playing Franz doesn’t involve any dancing.
Aside from performing, Dick has spent around 25 years serving on the SODS committee doing everything from being chairman to general secretary, and was invited to be the company’s 11th president in 2022.
After Jimmy Anderson, Dick is only the second SODS member to have held the position, which has usually been the preserve of mayors and MPs. “To say it’s an honour and a privilege sounds like a cliché, but it is,” Dick said.
Aside from performing, Dick has spent around 25 years serving on the SODS committee doing everything from being chairman to general secretary, and was invited to be the company’s 11th president in 2022.
After Jimmy Anderson, Dick is only the second SODS member to have held the position, which has usually been the preserve of mayors and MPs. “To say it’s an honour and a privilege sounds like a cliché, but it is,” Dick said.
Photo Credit: Roger Young
Despite saying for a number of years he will retire from the stage, Dick admitted he will continue performing “as long as I’m physically fit and able, not a complete embarrassment to other members of the cast or, worse still, the audience”.
SODS’ production of The Sound of Music stars Mary Bloss as Maria and Simon Lambert, who directed the company’s version of Oliver! in November, as Captain von Trapp. The artistic director is Holly Hallam, who is working with SODS for the first time, and Sam Coles has choreographed the show.
The Sound of Music runs from 26-29 April 2023 at the Palace Theatre in London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, with evening performances at 7.30pm and matinees on 27 and 29 April at 2.30pm. Go to www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 0343 310 0030 to book tickets.
SODS’ production of The Sound of Music stars Mary Bloss as Maria and Simon Lambert, who directed the company’s version of Oliver! in November, as Captain von Trapp. The artistic director is Holly Hallam, who is working with SODS for the first time, and Sam Coles has choreographed the show.
The Sound of Music runs from 26-29 April 2023 at the Palace Theatre in London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, with evening performances at 7.30pm and matinees on 27 and 29 April at 2.30pm. Go to www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 0343 310 0030 to book tickets.