SEVEN kids from the West are hitting the heights to convince people they are the Von Trapp Family.
Altona City Theatre’s latest production, The Sound of Music, brings Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and little Gretl to life for a new generation, more than 40 years since the original film charmed moviegoers.
Unlike the Austrian Hollywoodians of the original, this show’s seven kids come from Newport, Altona, Yarraville, Wyndham Vale, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Laverton.
However, the one thing they have in common is a love for the film and an ability to relate to their characters.
For 17-year-old first-timer Elyse McInerney, who plays the eldest of the clan, Liesl, acting is about feeling things outside of normal life.
But she can’t avoid relating in real life to the Von Trapp family’s hierarchy.
“I am an older child and am protective of my younger brothers and sisters, the same way Liesl is,” said Elyse.
“Liesl is in that position where she’s between being an adult and a child, and that is where I am too, so I can understand how she feels.”
Same too for Carlin Grant who plays Friedrich in this, his third show with the Altona City Theatre.
“Friedrich is around the age where he is quite confused about being a boy and a man, and that’s where I am also,” the 15-year-old admitted.
“His manner is always trying to impress, which I do. I’m not as proper as Friedrich though. He’s always standing up straight and acting military – I’m nothing like that.”
Carlin said he was five when he first saw The Sound of Music on television.
Kiane O’Farrell, 13, plays Louisa, the “naughty one” in the Von Trapps’ clan.
“I like to cause mischief, but I wouldn’t go as far as the character I play,” said Kiane, who has been dancing on the stage since she was three.
“I have been singing since I was eight or nine and, apparently, so my mother tells me, I used to walk around the streets telling people I wanted to be Maria from The Sound of Music.
“I love every single musical. I don’t have a sport – my whole life is performing,” she said.
“When you hear the applause at the end of the show, this is when you snap back to being yourself – you’re being clapped for something that you love.”
Next in line is 12-year-old Alexander Beckitt, who plays Kurt.
“I relate to my character because he’s sensitive like I am. Kurt likes to tell people off if they’re doing the wrong thing,” said Alexander.
“That’s what I like to do.”
But, the similarities end when it comes to 11-year-old Rebecca Closter.
“I don’t really relate to my character, Brigitta, because she’s always getting people into trouble, and making rude comments.
“I don’t really like that, but I do like being my character because I can be different to myself, and that is fun.”
Twelve-year-old Ebony Puopolo, who plays Marta, is not a “real girly girl” like her character.
“Initially I am shy, but then I warm to other people,” she said.
And life is as simple as a song for the youngest of the Von Trapps, played by eight-year-old Tayla Podesta-Muir.
“I like singing, like Gretl,” she said.
The choreographer Gracie Marcucci described the time she spent with the children “delightful”.
“They seemed to relate to each other from the beginning – they’re like a family,” said Gracie.
And it seems like the feel good story that brought the hills alive in Austria will have the same impact on the streets of the West.
And Gracie believed parents may even gain some insight into becoming better mums and dads.
“Maria makes a poignant point about how the father does not spend enough time with his children, and how they really need him,” she said.
“When she says this to him, he gets really angry but then comes to realise that it is true – I think this is relevant for today.”
Altona City Theatre is an amateur group presenting three shows a year. The Sound of Music will run until Saturday 22 July in the Altona Civic Theatre, Call 9398 5508 for tickets.
