Phil Mercer

Friday, October 19, 2007

The Sound of Music

 

I have managed to avoid the Sound of Music the whole of my life.

That is really something. It has been on telly enough times! Plus, as a gay man, it sometimes seems that in order to complete the poof policy, you should know it word for word.

It has been something I have been avoiding. On a holiday to Saltzburg I managed to steer clear of most of the world of SoM madness they have there.

I even managed to miss all of the furore over "How do you solve a problem called Maria" the BBC's search for someone to take on Julies role in a new stage production.

So the other week I had an offer I tried to refuse. Free tickets to see Connie Fisher in the Sound of Music.

After a short period of nagging, it dawned on me that I was resisting something that maybe I needed to confront! What was it about The Sound of Music that made me want to switch over immediately. As a gay man, what was I missing out on that The Rocky Horror show alone, couldn't give me?

So confront my fears I did.

The Sound of Music is playing at the Palladium. One of London's largest theatres. So it was a little disspointing to nearly knee cap myself on the seat in front. That aside, the production is fantastic. Right from the start the creative set design (and obviously sizeable budget!) takes us up in to the Alps, with Marie half way up a mountain!

Over the years I have heard, through no attempt on my part, plenty of the songs. What I didn't really know was the story that brought them together. So I am going to assume that you know the plot. Austria, just before the Nazi's take control. The Von Trapps need a nanny, enter Marie the troublesome young girl from the convent near by. The kids love her. Von Trapp falls for her. Nazi's take control. They make a run for it. Oh, and they can sing!

For me, the magic of the set and staging made the whole thing worth seeing. It was all very clever. Carrie's performance was wonderful and the kids were very good.

Its just that the story and songs were not for me, it was all just a little bit cheesy! It seems that part of the gay contract is going to have to go unsigned!

Labels: Musical, Stage

# posted by Phil @ 9:16 pm

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