The Curve’s Christmas production of The Sound of Music has been thrilling preview audiences in the run up to its opening on Wednesday.

On Saturday hundreds of eager people attended the matinee performance of out going artistic director Paul Kerryson’s latest glittering treat.

Originally a hit Broadway and West End musical, followed by the 1965 movie version, The Sound of Music remains one of the most popular musicals of all time.

Set against the idyllic landscape of the Austrian Alps, the tale is based on a true story following spirited young nun Maria and her relationship with the Von Trapp family.

Michael French ( David Wicks form East Enders) appears in the commanding role of Captain Von Trapp.

Many of the audience leaving the Curve on Saturday evening said they could not believe how good a singer he was and said he totally eclipsed Christopher Plummer from the film version.

Other members of cast to be singled out were all the children and Laura Pitt-Pulford as Maria, the role made famous by Julie Andrews.

Other principal members of the cast are Emma Clifford as Baroness Elsa Schraeder, Emma Harrold as Liesl Von Trapp, Lucy Schaufer as Mother Abbess, and Jack Wilcox as Rolf Gruber.

The actors playing the roles of the younger children have been selected locally.

Paul Kerryson said: “It’s thrilling for us to be able to offer this opportunity for aspiring young performers to appear in our Christmas musical.”

His work for Curve includes Chicago, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Piaf, Hello, Dolly!, Entertaining Mr Sloane, Buried Child, Gypsy, Absurd Person Singular, The Light in the Piazza, The King and I (also UK tour), 42nd Street, The Pillowman and The Lieutenant of Inishmore.

The production opens on Wednesday and runs until 17 January.

We asked people streaming out of the preview matinee on Saturday what they felt about the production.

Diane Alderson,

Next Directory worker, Fleckney

“Absolutely fantastic. The music the was wonderful. I was really amazing.

Joe Ryan, 26,

Musician, London

“It was awesome.I thought the music went very well during the performance.

“The audience really seemed to like it a lot.”

Haidee Cooper, 19

Car dealer worker, Oadby

“I thought it was wonderful. The choreography, the sets and the singing were wonderful.

“ Maria really stood out for me she was tremendous.”

Amy Cooper, 24

Administration worker, Wigston

“I thought the production was marvellous. The backdrop, scenery and choreography were wonderful.

“I did not know David Wicks could sing so well”

Michael Bowers, 53

Local government officer, South Knighton,

“A truly amazing production really good one of the best we have seen here. Perhaps not as good as Chicago.”

Mandy Bowers,

Housewife, South Knighton.

“We have been coming here since it opened. This production was one of the best. Really good I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Alma Henshaw,

Retired, Anstey.

“It was absolutely fantastic. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.

“I was really impressed with the quality of the performances. I did not fall asleep once!”

Kimbra Welch

Lawyer, Anstey

“It was much better than the film version.

“The singing, the acting and the production was wonderful.

“It was amazing.”
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