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Regional Reviews: Raleigh/Durham The Sound of Music
First brought to life on Broadway in 1959 starring Mary Martin, The Sound of Music has become one of the most well-known musicals in theatre history. Loosely inspired by Maria von Trapp's 1949 memoir "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers," the show transports audiences to Austria in 1938 as the Nazi party rises in influence and takeover. With a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, Maria, a spirited young novice (the wonderful Cayleigh Capaldi) is torn between her calling to the convent and her growing love for the seven children she is hired to care for and her blossoming love for their widowed father, Captain von Trapp (a fine Kevin Earley). As the threat of Nazi occupation looms, the family must make a courageous decision to flee their homeland. The timeless story, later immortalized in the 1965 Oscar-winning film starring Julie Andrews, continues to captivate audiences with its heartwarming story and unforgettable music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Broadway veteran and three-time Tony Award winning director Jack O'Brien masterfully guides this rendition. He balances humor and suspense while directing a show that is intimate and grand simultaneously. The choreography by Danny Mefford is sparse, but the musical is not known for its dance numbers. Mr. Mefford does, however, bring delightful moments of playful movement and graceful storytelling. Scenic design by Douglas W. Schmidt is simple yet grand, while Natasha Katz' lighting adds depth and mood to every scene. They are so seamless, there are times you cannot tell the difference between set and light. There were some technical cues that, hopefully, will be worked out as the production completes its run. In the majestic number, "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," there was an unfortunate drop of large Nazi banners behind the Mother Abbess at the height of her crescendo, causing commotion and gasps from the audience. This was not the only mishap of staging that occurred. On a more positive note, Jane Greenwood's costumes are period appropriate and harken memories of the Oscar-winning film adaptation. Kai Harada effectively provides the sound design for this loving revival and ensures every line and song resonates clearly throughout. Cayleigh Capaldi, as Maria, has a beautiful coloratura soprano voice and brings the innocence and defiance of Maria to life with a 21st century air. The rest of the cast are all wonderful as to be expected, with Haddie Mac (as the precocious Brigitta) stealing some scenes with great effect. Above Ms. Capaldi, the greatest standouts happen to be the supporting characters, a wonderfully entertaining Nicholas Rodriguez as Max Detweiler and Kate Loprest's characterization of the Baroness Elsa Schraeder, bringing humanity and a lightness to a part that some may sour on as a foil for Maria. The Sound of Music is both timely and timeless. As the threat of authoritarianism looms across the globe, it reminds us all how easy and difficult it can be to either be an upstander or bystander. This production is as heartfelt and lively as one would hope, reminding audiences why The Sound of Music continues to be a beloved classic. The Sound of Music runs through October 12, 2025, at at the Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham NC. For tickets and information, please visit www.dpacnc.com or the Ticket Center at DPAC in person, or call 919-680-2787. For more information on the tour, visit soundofmusicontour.com/. Music: Richard Rodgers Cast: |
