As the curtain rose on the opening night of The Sound of Music at Theatre By The Sea, I was immediately drawn into the charming world of the von Trapp family. The play was filled with delightful moments, like the “Do-Re-Mi” performance where Maria, full of energy, guided the von Trapp children through the basics of singing, starting with simple notes and gradually building to a complex arrangement where each child sang just one note.
The children, lined up in their crisp costumes, bounced on cue as they sang their individual notes, creating a visual and auditory experience like a human xylophone. Their synchronized movements and harmonious voices filled the theatre.
This scene brought back memories of my own childhood. No, I didn’t have a nanny teach me and my swarm of siblings how to sing. It reminded me of my initial exposure to musical theatre was through movies, and most probably Sound of Music itself. Watching classics like The Sound of Music on screen was enchanting, but experiencing it live is a different kind of wonder. The energy, the immediacy, and the sheer talent on display in a live performance add layers of depth and emotion that movies, no matter how beloved, simply can’t replicate.

The Sound of Music, in case you are unfamiliar, is set against the backdrop of the Nazi takeover of Austria during World War II. The story follows a young woman named Maria, who struggles in fulfilling her dreams of becoming a nun. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is assigned to watch over the family of a local military officer, Captain von Trapp. Maria brings music back into the lives of the captain’s seven children, who have been living under strict discipline since the death of their mother.
As Maria and the children grow closer, she and Captain von Trapp also begin to develop feelings for each other. Their blossoming love story is set against the increasing tensions and dangers of the era. The family’s personal lives are deeply affected by the political turmoil, leading to moments of both joy and peril as they navigate the challenges of their time.
I’m always pleased by productions at Theatre By The Sea, and The Sound of Music was no exception. Celebrating its 91st season, the theatre has once again brought a beloved classic to life with a top-notch production team and an extraordinarily talented cast.
Over the years of enjoying shows at TBTS I’ve learned to expect high quality productions by professional and dedicated cast and crew.
The producers have a wealth of experience. Michael D. Jablonski, returning as Director and Choreographer, previously directed and choreographed the critically acclaimed production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Nathan Urdangen, the musical director, has worked on The Bodyguard and Footloose, ensuring the music was as captivating as ever.
The cast was impressive. Kim Sava, making her Theatre By The Sea debut as Maria Rainer, brought a fresh and vibrant energy to the role. Kevin Patrick Martin, a familiar face in Rhode Island, played Captain Georg von Trapp with the perfect blend of sternness and warmth. John Gardiner, as Max Detweiler, was just as amicable and smarmy as I remembered from the movie, adding a delightful touch of humor to the performance. Kyli Rae, as Elsa Schraeder, and Amanda Hunter-Finch, as Mother Abbess, also delivered standout performances.

The creative team did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life. The stage used false prosceniums to give the illusion of depth, making the scenes feel expansive and immersive. Scenic Designer Kyle Dixon, Lighting Designer Terri Becker, and Sound Designer Michael Hyde crafted an environment that transported us to the Austrian Alps. The costumes, constructed by Asolo Repertory Theatre Costume Shop and provided by Costume World Theatrical, added to the authenticity and charm of the production.
The von Trapp children, played by two casts of talented local performers, were a joy to watch. Their performances, especially the young actress playing Gretl, brought a delightful energy and innocence to the stage. She captured the audience’s hearts with her focus and sweet singing voice, proving that even the youngest cast members were dedicated and talented.
Each child brought his own unique charm to the performance, guided by the story’s characters’ distinctly different persona. Louisa, played by Mia Daley and Charlotte McMahon, displayed a mischievous spirit, while Friedrich, portrayed by Ian Nicolo and Jackson Alves, showed a budding sense of responsibility. Brigitta, played by Bobbie Celine Doherty and Arden Cha, was sharp and observant, often delivering lines that elicited laughter from the audience. Kurt, played by Matthew McGuirl and Owen Richard, and Marta, played by Taylor Pezza and Corinne Sweeney, added to the familial warmth with their endearing performances.
The children’s ability to stay in character and deliver their lines with such confidence was truly impressive.
The story of The Sound of Music is based on the real-life von Trapp family. While the movie made a few changes for dramatic effect, the essence of their story remains true. The von Trapps eventually moved to Stowe, Vermont, where they opened a hotel. I had the chance to stay there, and it was fascinating to see the legacy of this remarkable family firsthand.
The performance of The Sound of Music at Theatre By The Sea was crisp, professional, and just about as true to the original as we could hope for. From the opening notes to the final curtain call, the production was a delightful experience. The cast and crew brought a fresh energy to this classic musical, making it feel both timeless and contemporary.
The show featured all the beloved songs that have made The Sound of Music a favorite for generations. “Do-Re-Mi” was a standout, with the von Trapp children and Maria delivering a lively and perfectly synchronized performance. “My Favorite Things” was another highlight, capturing the warmth and comfort of the song beautifully. The iconic “Edelweiss,” performed by Captain von Trapp, was both poignant and heartfelt, bringing a tear to many eyes in the audience. And, of course, the title track “The Sound of Music” was performed with such joy and enthusiasm that it set the tone for the entire evening.
Add to that “Climb Every Mountain” and “I am Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and you’ll realize that this was a play filled to the brim with memorable songs.
A quick aside… now that I’m older, the “I am sixteen…” song struck me differently than it did when I was a child. Part of me remembered when I was young and thinking that I had life under control Watching the two young actors in that scene made me wish I could tell my younger self to enjoy my waning innocence and don’t wish for adulthood too soon.
Actually the entire play brought back that part of my life, a time of innocence that struggled to exist in my anxiousness to grow up, brought back by a musical play about innocence in one of the worst of historical times.
In fact, writing this now, I see the theme of innocence vs harsh reality throughout the play, from the obvious innocence of the children and nuns and Austria and music and even the actions of the wealthy and powerful tried to cling to as harsh reality of the Nazi takeover. Rogers and Hammerstein were masterful at bringing it all together with a memorable story and songs that have lasted for decades, showing us that sometimes innocence can survive.
Overall, the performance was a delightful rendition of a classic musical. The cast’s dedication and talent shone through in every scene, and the production’s attention to detail made it a truly memorable experience. Whether you are a long-time fan of The Sound of Music or seeing it for the first time, this production at Theatre By The Sea is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
Don’t miss the chance to see The Sound of Music at Theatre By The Sea. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a classic musical performed by a talented cast in a picturesque location. Make sure to check out the on-site restaurant, Bistro By The Sea, for a delightful meal before or after the show, and take a stroll through the gardens to complete your evening.
Experience the magic of live theatre and create lasting memories at Theatre By The Sea. Tickets are available now, so plan your visit and enjoy a night of music, laughter, and timeless storytelling.
For more information:
www.theatrebythesea.com
Photos by Mark Turek