Presented by: The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of South Australia
Reviewed: 26 September 2025
The Sound of Music isn’t my kind of musical. I’ve only ever seen snippets of the 1965 film, and I’ve never seen it as a stage production. Of course, it’s entrenched in our culture, and many of its songs are instantly recognisable, but it’s just not for me.
Or so I thought…
The Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s production at The Arts Theatre is excellent. I was expecting a sappy, schmaltzy rendition of a musical written for my parents’ generation, but I instead found myself awestruck at times, smiling, and resisting the urge to sing along.
As the curtain rose, it was impossible not to be immediately impressed by Adam Goodburn, Brian Budgen, and John Axe’s beautiful set. Cleverly designed and implemented to be both interior and exterior, in a way that you wouldn’t think works if it was described to you verbally. With just enough subtle changes between environments to make each scene, and complemented by projections (that are so often easily fluffed), there’s nothing to be critical of in this except for some deep shadows during set changes. Some gentle but creative lighting from Michael Bentley and Cameron Borlase topped it off so well that at times we didn’t notice just how good the lighting was until after it had happened.
As for music director Liam Phillips’ orchestra, I don’t even feel qualified to comment, given that I’m not a musician and this team was so outstanding. Loud, but not over the top, each orchestra member hit their notes with confidence, clarity, and precision. As a team, they created a wall of sound that was as magnificent as it was gorgeous.
How refreshing it was to enjoy an Adelaide amateur theatre production where the sound engineering was spot on. No microphones left on when they shouldn’t be, no performer singing without being able to be heard, and the orchestra always accompanying at just the right volume. Well done Jayden Gladigau on his design and operation.
Vanessa Redmond has quite rightly resisted the urge to choreograph an all-out dancing extravaganza, and has instead treated us to cute and clever, yet meaningful movement that suited the feel perfectly.
The child performers (we saw the “Rodgers Cast”) were lovely. Confident in their parts, each exhibited performance discipline and talent beyond their years. There were quite a few parents in the audience bursting with pride, with good reason. I only counted one on-stage yawn, and given the recent late nights with dress rehearsals, that’s completely forgivable. Estelle Kouzapa’s forthright ‘Brigitta’ was fun to watch, with great timing and delivery.
Susie O’Connell’s singing as The Mother Abbess is something to behold. With a voice so strong it fills your head, in the best possible way, her performance alone makes this show worth the ticket price. Nicholas Bishop’s Max Detweiler is funny and clever, whilst also being precise, with no movement or action being underdone or lacking.
In the lead male role of Captain Georg von Trapp, Andrew Crispe’s performance is once again superb. I make no apologies for my gushing admiration of Crispe’s work. He’s an incredibly talented performer who delivers amazing performances, every time. His rich baritone sounds like this role was written just for him, and he owns the stage as if the venue was named after him.
With the unenviable duty of embodying the role that cemented Julie Andrews’ legacy after Mary Poppins, Emily Fitzpatrick sings, acts, and dances her way through a monster of a role with seemingly effortless talent and charm. Her voice is delightful, but strong and full as well, and her performance never lacked sincerity or charm.
Congratulations must go to Adam Goodburn as director, and his entire production team, who have brought this much-loved classic to the stage in a way that’s embraced by everyone in the audience from ages 8 to 80, including the occasional middle-aged man who was convinced it wasn’t for him.
The Sound of Music is playing at The Arts theatre on Angas St until October 4th and should not be missed. Take your kids, take your grandparents, take your neighbours, and even take that guy you know who reckons it’s not his kind of thing.
Reviewed by Doug Phillips
Photo credit: Pro Shots
Venue: The Arts Theatre
Season: 25 September to 4 October, 2025
Duration: 3 hours, including interval
Tickets: $24 – $43 (plus booking fee)
Bookings: http://gandssa.com.au/the-sound-of-music
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