Wallace High School comes alive with the ‘Sound of Music’

The Wallace High School production of Sound of Music proved a massive hit last week, packing out the school Assembly Hall on a three night run from Wednesday to Friday.

The long established tradition of a schools’ matinee was followed last Wednesday as the Wallace production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s celebrated musical met with a rapturous response from an audience of local primary school pupils.

This gave the cast and crew the benefit of a live production before opening night, as well as hopefully encouraging the young audience to think about the fun of participation in a show.

Pond Park Principal Mr Geoffrey Cherry attended the matinee and commented after the show: “This is one of my favourite musicals. I find it so touching especially the ending which is so full of hope. It was a pleasure to be here today with our pupils and for them to have the opportunity to see such a professionally produced and staged production.”

From the opening notes of Zoe Jackson’s pitch perfect rendition of The Sound of Music to the triumphant Climb Every Mountain sung exultantly by Hannah Cairns this was a show filled with heart and passion.

Cast members were drawn from Years 9 to 14. All audience members were spellbound by the vitality of the performance and its varied moods.

They giggled at Thomas Stewart’s Max Detweller, admired the stylish elegance of Head Girl Zara Kirkwood’s Elsa Schraeder and gazed in open eyed admiration at the wedding scene with its handsome Captain Von Trapp ( Joshua Brown). Little did they know of the stresses of getting Zoe out of her wedding dress and into her next costume!

The young cast members clearly had boundless energy as the evening performances were as electric as the storm scene outside Maria’s bedroom.

The audience responded enthusiastically throughout the show even audibly singing along at some points. The orchestra, under the direction of Wallace Music teacher Miss Chelsea Pascoe, provided excellent support.

Producer and Director Mrs Emma Rogers, ably supported by Assistant Director Miss Victoria Walsh ,were naturally delighted by the success of the production, having devoted many, many hours to achieve such a perfect show which was appreciated by so many.

Miss Walsh was understandably delighted with the success of the show: “It was an incredible pleasure to be involved in the prodcution of The Sound of Music.

“I am very proud of all the pupils involved backstage and on the stage.

“Their professionalism, energy and commitment was impressive, not to mention the incredible talent on display! The show was stunning and embodied all of our school values. It was truly a remarkable experience for all involved and I couldn’t be more proud!”

It is fitting to leave the final word to Mrs Rogers who was instrumental in the polished and professional final production: “It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

“The pupils’ enthusiasm, dedication and hard work shone through in their performance and help behind the scenes.

“They have given themselves a lasting memory of their time at Wallace.”

See more photos from the show on our website www.lisburntoday.co.uk

As a footnote, all at Wallace High School wish to congratulate Mrs Rogers on the birth of a bouncing baby boy on Saturday morning; quite a few days for the Lisburn school’s English teacher.