A scene from Singin’ in the Rain. Photo: Jeff Busby
Melbourne’s commercial theatre district is resounding with some very familiar tunes. The Sound of Music and Singin’ in the Rain opened last week within a few days of one another, going head to head with well-known titles.
The two musicals have much in common. Both are heart-warming 1950s’ audience-pleasers with strong narratives and hum-able melodies. Both are best known as films – although The Sound of Music began as a stage musical while Singin’ in the Rain was only turned into a stage show relatively recently.
Of course there are major differences too. The Sound of Music is a family show with a dark, dramatic twist, made more poignant by the knowledge that it is based on the true story of the Von Trapp family’s escape from the Nazis. Its primary medium is song and it is built around the children.
The Sound of Music. Photo: James Morgan
Singin’ in the Rain is a romantic comedy where the dance routines and witticisms are the chief attractions.
What they have in common is the challenge of how to present a compelling evening’s entertainment to an audience that is likely overly familiar with the work, many knowing half the words you are about to sing and comparing your every move with someone who has made your character their own. In this they take very different approaches.
Singin’ in the Rain embraces the complications of turning a film into a live event with gusto. It’s not giving too much away to say that it does rain on stage and the effect is quite electrifying, reminding us just what it is to watch live performers taking risks and creating a world in front of our eyes.
The imaginative production also uses its cinematic theme to great effect, playing beautifully between the live shooting scenes and their screenings.
It’s an exciting show which – despite knowing the story and the songs and despite a close rendition of many major scenes from the film – feels fresh and original.
Watching The Sound of Music four days later felt disappointing. Knowing the film so well just made the stage show feel like a pallid imitation, the sets cardboard versions of the Swiss hills and the choreography and stage business predictable.
I am not one to be sucked in by stage effects. Without a strong book and good music, stage effects, however impressive, leave me cold. But comparing these two musicals it was clear that an original vision powered one while the other simply traded on old stock.
Both productions have good casts, well-rehearsed and tightly directed. In The Sound of Music Amy Lehpamer plays an excellent Julie Andrews but that’s rather the point. It felt like she was playing Julie Andrews not Maria Rainer, and Cameron Daddo felt like Christopher Plummer with a little less panache. Jacqueline Dark as the Mother Abbess was a standout with a remarkable voice – which was used to good effect as a couple of the songs were moved around giving her ‘My Favourite Things’ to add to her role. The moves speed things up but are disconcerting.
The kids are fantastic, full of talent and energy, and prove the old adage as they are clearly the chief draw card of the show.
Singin’ in the Rain has a nicely balanced cast. Adam Garcia and Gretel Scarlett make charming romantic leads and, together with Jack Chambers as the comic foil, give us fabulous tap-dancing routines. Erika Haynatz goes to town as the dumb-and-dumber anti-heroine, a role which requires some very clever voice work. It’s a performance that looks easier than it is and is actually highly accomplished.
The Sound of Music will always be a great show to take the kids to if they have never seen it before but this production will add little for those who already know the show.
Singin’ in the Rain is a thoroughly good night out. It’s great entertainment whether or not you know the film.
The Sound of Music
Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth
Three stars
Singing in the Rain
Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth
Four stars
