The hills of the Moresby Arts Theatre came alive over the past three weekends to the classic, Sound of Music production, one of the most popular movie and state musicals of all time.
‘The Sound of Music’ is based on the true story of German family, the Von Trapp Family singers which had an adaptation to the PNG setting after the Second World War.
This adaptation production features a young nun, Maria in Lae who was sent to look after seven children of a widowed Navy Captain in Port Moresby. Little did she know that leaving the convent would land her the first real temptation, love. In the end she eventually falls in love with Captain Von Trapp. He, on the other hand could not deny his feelings for the woman who was sent to his house to be a governor for his children. Maria’s instant connection with the Von Trapp children was music.
A story of love and belonging, it was played by a cast of over 20 people with the youngest aged 3. The production saw small touches of Tok Pisin and little elements of PNG’s local and expatriate life.
Amongst the children cast was Ruth Moleeta Gime, a grade 7 pupil at Port Moresby Grammar School. Gime played the role of Brigitta Von Trappe, the fifth of the seven Von Trapp children.
Due to the fact that the show went on for three consecutive weekends, more than one child was selected to play the role of the Von Trapp children.
The rest of the children’s cast consisted of expatriates; Rowan Southwell who played Leisel (eldest), Hannah Allan and Vihbu Guru who played Fredericka (second), Bernice Hoffmeister and Jeremiah Bryson who played Louisa(Third), Zeke Esler and Jack Pelling who played Kurt (fourth).
The character Brigitta was also played by Charlotte Bryson alongside Ruth Gime. Tara Pelling, Laurette Peiris and Anastasia Esler all played Marta (sixth child) while little Gretl was played by Iris Von Graafeiland, Matilda Temby and Ella Packham.
Acting President of the Moresby Arts Theatre when speaking to Loop PNG said the show is one of the most successful musical productions the MAT has produced that comprised different groups of people.
Cast members were selected after auditions were done in November last year and rehearsals started in November.
The Kayelle Drinkwwater directed play had music done by Richard Rodgers and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
It was showed every weekend from March 4 and ended yesterday, March 20.