[fp30e]

I saw The Sound of Music for a second time on Saturday starring Summer Strallen. The first viewing was with Connie Fisher.

I was expecting Summer to make the show her own. How dissapointed was I?

She played the role as if she was in Panto. Sadly she did not connect with the children who were great. She repeated the words instead of acting them out. This proved to me just how good Connie was as Maria.

Does anyone know why Connie left the show, as I hear it may not have been voluntary.

[emkay]

Connie chose to leave, as far as I know, because she'd been in the show for a year and a half and wanted to branch out to other things. Her contract had already been extended a few times, and I guess she just thought it was time to move on. There have been various rumors about her possible return, but she seems to be happy in They're Playing Our Song at the Menier right now.

As for Summer, I've seen clips and was distinctly underwhelmed (and I've liked Summer in other things).

[strallenfan]

I couldnt disagree more but then I am a huge fan of Summer. I feel that she has made the character of Maria so much more human than Connie ever did. I feel the only area that Connie excelled is her voice, as she had a stronger, crisper sound to her but her acting left a lot to be desired. She never played up the humour as Summer does.

I've seen the show a lot, and Summer has not once disappointed me. She comes out with an energy and brings that energy to the whole show.