The 1965 film, The Sound Of Music, starring the venerable Julie Andrews, is a classic film dear to people’s hearts. So, any adaptation of it is met with great criticism from the lovers of the Oscar-winning film.
But the Ghana International School (GIS) pulled off an amazing Ghanaian adaptation that saw raging applause and a standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience at the National Theatre on Tuesday, March 19.
The Sound of Music follows Maria, an aspiring nun, sent as a governess to take care of a widowed naval captain’s seven children. Soon her jovial and loving nature tames their hearts with the children becoming fond of her.
The original film was set in Austria, but the GIS play was set in Ghana and thus embeds Ghanaian languages and culture into the play.
As such, they reinterpreted songs like 'Favourite Things', replacing the original lyrics with Ghanaian foods and snacks, including 'waakye' and 'gari soakings' among others.
Elise Jensen, who plays Maria, embodies the beloved character skillfully. She also displayed ease and confidence despite being a newcomer to the stage.
The children - played by Gabrielle Asibe, Eden Hutton-Mills, Jed Humphrey Ackumeh, Aryahi Pakti, Adabelle Otoo, and Ekow Yawson - were also awesome.
Captain George Gbeho (played by Sedem Hiadzi), executed the role of a strict military father to satisfaction.
The other cast members including Myra Annor (who plays the Baroness engaged to the Captain), John Mensah, Esther Danso, Shannon Okai, Abraham Malm and Justin Adjei impressed the audience.
Music is an integral part of The Sound of Music and while it is evident that these students are not professional singers, their dedication to months of training for their roles paid off.
Unlike the film, the play's party had every guest wearing traditional African wear and dancing to a blend of Highlife music.
They finished off with a Ghanaian-themed wedding with a talented cultural troupe from Labone Senior High School. GIS also had help from the Accra Girls Senior High School.
Proud parents and students did not hold back applause and praise when the final curtain was drawn.
The play is showing again on March 20 at the National Theatre for the final time.
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