Are the Hills Still Alive with The Sound of Music? (Review of The Sound of Music at the Marina Bay Sands Theater, Singapore)
From the moment that the Marina Bay Sands’ Theater curtains opened, I was spellbound. What is with The Sound of Music, the musical production just set prior to the start of World War II that makes it an immense and educative phenomenon by the way? Say that again, The Sound of Music… and then people will never forget a flighty yet charming Julie Andrews, twirling and singing “The hills are alive with the sound of music”. The answer is constant, the songs are its bread and butter. Why? The songs are conspicuously hummable (as penned by an awesome lyricist!), the von Trapp children never fail to tickle the hearts of many, and of course the novice Maria. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s created not just music but relatable characters, it’s just perfection.
The musical needs no introduction, really. It seems like yesterday since I have watched The Sound of Music at the Resorts World Manila but the production is steady and brilliant as ever. Magnificent singing voices from the cast were made much more captivating with the live orchestral accompaniment.
The Sound of Music has tugged the heart strings of many but what makes it extra significant is the diversity of the production casts and settings. The part that always piqued the audience’ interest? The breath-taking opening act/scene. A lush, wooded valley with steep cliffs that rappel to a snow-filled lake. There appears the charming Maria and with open arms, she appreciates the beauty of the Austrian Alps, its magnificent vistas and peaks by well..singing. The settings were lavish all throughout the musical, transitions were swift; not to mention the majestic beauty of the von Trapp house’s staircase. The children were set to always steal the show though as their talents, personalities cum charisma pivot to the youthful feel of this classic production.
Bethany Dickson and Andre Schwartz star as Maria and Captain von Trapp in the musical production, The Sound Of Music recently shown at Marina Bay Sands Theatre. Dickson’s attack was more naive but transforms just right on stage whenever she deals with her life and its dilemma. Mother Abess’ operatic she-got-the-voice-to-die-for is stellar! She did a fine job with her rendition of Climb Ev’ry Mountain that made the audience clapped aplenty. The mixture of love, freedom and timeless score of Do-Re-Mi is what make the hills still alive. It is not a question of whether where or when this will run next but for how many years The Sound of Music will continue to draw an ecstatic audience. Who would not be thrilled for an umpteenth revival of the classic musical The Sound Of Music anyways?
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Are the Hills Still Alive with the Sound of Music? (Review of The Sound of Music at The Marina Bay Sands Theater, Singapore)
