I Watched 'The Sound Of Music' Broadway Production Live, And Here's My Honest Review
P.S. It's coming to Malaysia from 27 December 2022 until 15 January 2023!
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo! That's the song playing on repeat in my head, as I was recently able to watch The Sound of Music in Singapore. :)
Image via Shiffa/SAYS
Organised by Base Entertainment Asia, The Sound Of Music is finally here in Southeast Asia. ICYMI, this new Broadway production includes local children playing the Von Trapp children, which means we'll be seeing Malaysian kids performing alongside Broadway actors at Istana Budaya soon. :D I was able to catch the live production in its final week at the Sands Theatre in Marina Bay Sands, with the Singaporean kids.
As a kid, I enjoyed the film, and still do to this day. Love the songs, love Julie Andrews, it was such a timeless classic. I ended up watching it more times than I'd liked because my younger brother would rewind it back to hear the songs again, and again... and again. I couldn't forget the lyrics and dialogue even if I wanted to :')
I'd just found out that the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical came first before the film (yes, I live under a rock) so I was curious to see what this new stage production was like. For me, watching the musical was a totally different experience.
With that being said, here's what I thought about The Sound of Music live production:
As we entered the theatre, we heard the orchestra warming up as we waited for the show to start
Image via BASE Entertainment Asia
With the exception of I Have Confidence, they played all the songs we came to learn and love from the film. My favourite was The Grand Waltz, which played during the dinner party scene.
Hearing the songs performed live was such a joy, especially when paired with the melodious voices of seasoned Broadway actors and actresses.
Speaking of which, I was blown away by their vocal range. Not just from the grown-ups, but the Singaporean kids as well!
Image via BASE Entertainment Asia
They sang the classics such as Do Re Mi, The Lonely Goatherd, and So Long, Farewell. What was also interesting is that the sequence of certain songs happened at different parts. It was a surprise for sure, but a welcome one.
Another surprise was that there were songs I had never heard before. Not going to lie, I was taken aback at first since it was unfamiliar to me. But after listening to the lyrics, it actually plays a part in giving certain characters more depth, such as Baroness Elsa von Schraeder, played by Annie Sherman. Yes, she gets to sing in the musical!
Image via BASE Entertainment Asia
Mother Abbess, also known as Reverend Mother, is portrayed by actress Lauren Kidwell
Image via BASE Entertainment Asia (Facebook)
According to the actress, they were able to explore a new and fresh take on the musical, as the creative team specifically wanted someone younger to play the role. And take it from me y'all, her vocal range absolutely shined when she sang Climb Ev'ry Mountain. Literal chills all around.
It was also fun watching the show alongside an audience. Hearing them laugh during the comedic bits, and gasp and wait with bated breath during the intense moments added to the whole experience.
But if there's one thing for sure, it's that the Singaporean cast was the highlight for me
Image via BASE Entertainment Asia
Seeing how energetic and committed the kids were in portraying the Von Trapp children in a Broadway production was amazing. It made me feel excited for the upcoming shows that would be happening in Istana Budaya, where our very own Malaysian cast will no doubt be the stars of the show. <3
Overall, I'd say The Sound of Music is definitely worth watching. Even if you haven't seen the movie before, the story is sure to tug at your heartstrings, and will entertain your kids from start to finish.
It won't be long before the Broadway production of The Sound of Music will be arriving right here in Malaysia
Image via BASE Entertainment Asia
From 27 December 2022 until 15 January 2023, you'll have the chance to watch 17 Malaysian kids take the stage and perform alongside talented actors such as Jill Christine Wiley, Lauren Kidwell, and Trevor Martin!
You can book your tickets over at Istana Budaya's website.
Previously, there were auditions for the Malaysian cast to play the six younger Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music:
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