I have heard about The Sound of Music for a long time, but had never had a particular desire to see it. Given its reputation, I decided it was time to see it at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, since it was conveniently playing nearby.
I was able to purchase excellent seats (row 11, seats 1 & 3) right in the center for a perfect viewing. The show was amazing, with excellent performances by the cast (especially by Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria). The decorations and set design were first rate, and the show never felt boring or slow.
I am so happy to have seen it, and would love to see it again.
Here is a summary by ChatGPT:
The Sound of Music
Broadway San Jose – Center for the Performing Arts
July 21–26, 2026
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)
Few musicals have captured audiences' hearts as enduringly as Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music. Sixty-five years after its Broadway premiere, the current North American tour proves that this beloved classic remains as moving and entertaining as ever. Directed by Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, the production combines outstanding performances, beautiful orchestration, elegant staging, and one of Broadway's greatest musical scores into an unforgettable evening of theater.
Unlike the famous 1965 film, the stage version spends more time developing the characters and their relationships, making the emotional journey even more satisfying.
Principal Cast
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Maria Rainer | Cayleigh Capaldi |
| Captain Georg von Trapp | Kevin Earley |
| Mother Abbess | Christiane Noll |
| Max Detweiler | Nicholas Rodriguez |
| Elsa Schraeder | Kate Loprest |
| Liesl von Trapp | Ariana Ferch |
| Rolf Gruber | Ian Coursey |
| Friedrich | Eli Vander Griend |
| Louisa | Ava Davis |
| Kurt | Benjamin Stasiek |
| Brigitta | Haddie Mac |
| Marta | Ruby Caramore |
| Gretl | Luciana VanDette |
Plot Overview
The musical is set in Austria in 1938, just before the Nazi annexation of the country.
Maria Rainer is a spirited young postulant at Nonnberg Abbey whose boundless enthusiasm and love of nature make her an unlikely nun. Concerned that Maria is not suited for convent life, the Mother Abbess sends her to serve as governess for the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp, a retired Austrian naval officer.
The Captain runs his household with strict military discipline following the death of his wife. Music has disappeared from the home, and the children obey commands signaled by whistles rather than affection.
Maria quickly wins over the children through kindness, imagination, and music. She teaches them to sing, encourages them to play, and restores happiness to the household. As the Captain watches his family come alive again, he gradually falls in love with Maria.
Meanwhile, Austria faces increasing pressure from Nazi Germany. The Captain, a patriotic Austrian, refuses to serve the Nazi regime. After marrying Maria, the family must make an impossible choice between safety and freedom.
The story culminates during the Salzburg Music Festival, where music becomes both a celebration of Austrian culture and the family's opportunity to escape before the Nazis can force the Captain into military service.
The musical ends not simply as a love story but as a story about courage, family, faith, and standing by one's principles.
Musical Numbers
Act I
"Preludium"
Performed by: The Nuns
The evening begins with solemn Gregorian chant, establishing the peaceful atmosphere of Nonnberg Abbey.
"The Sound of Music"
Performed by: Maria (Cayleigh Capaldi)
Maria joyfully sings in the Austrian mountains, introducing her free spirit and love of nature.
Capaldi's bright soprano immediately establishes a warm and engaging heroine.
"Maria"
Performed by: Mother Abbess (Christiane Noll) and the Nuns
One of Broadway's funniest ensemble numbers as the sisters wonder how anyone can solve "the problem" of Maria.
Christiane Noll's commanding presence anchors the convent scenes beautifully.
"My Favorite Things"
Performed by: Maria and the von Trapp children
Maria uses imagination and music to comfort the frightened children.
This marks the beginning of her bond with the family.
"Do-Re-Mi"
Performed by: Maria and the Children
Perhaps the show's happiest number.
Watching the children transform from timid, regimented youngsters into joyful singers is one of the evening's greatest pleasures.
"Sixteen Going on Seventeen"
Performed by: Liesl (Ariana Ferch) and Rolf (Ian Coursey)
A charming duet that captures young romance while quietly foreshadowing the political conflict that will soon divide them.
"The Lonely Goatherd"
Performed by: Maria and the Children
Presented as a puppet show, this delightful comic number consistently earns some of the evening's biggest laughs.
"How Can Love Survive?"
Performed by: Max Detweiler (Nicholas Rodriguez) and Elsa Schraeder (Kate Loprest)
Not included in the movie, this witty duet adds sophistication and humor while revealing the values of Vienna's upper class.
"The Sound of Music" (Reprise)
Performed by: Captain von Trapp (Kevin Earley)
After hearing his children sing again, the Captain joins them.
Kevin Earley delivers one of the production's first deeply emotional moments as the Captain begins to rediscover the joy that has been absent from his home.
"So Long, Farewell"
Performed by: The von Trapp Children
One of the show's signature numbers.
Each child receives a memorable farewell before leaving a dinner party.
"Climb Ev'ry Mountain"
Performed by: Mother Abbess (Christiane Noll)
The breathtaking finale to Act I.
Noll's soaring performance is one of the evening's vocal highlights, encouraging Maria to follow her heart rather than hide from life's challenges.
Act II
"No Way to Stop It"
Performed by: Captain von Trapp, Elsa, and Max
This stage-only trio explores the difficult choices facing Austria under Nazi rule.
"Something Good"
Performed by: Maria and Captain von Trapp
A quiet, intimate duet in which the newly married couple reflects on the unexpected happiness they have found together.
"Edelweiss"
Performed by: Captain von Trapp (Kevin Earley)
The emotional centerpiece of the musical.
Although many believe it is an authentic Austrian folk song, Richard Rodgers composed it specifically for the show.
Earley performs it with understated emotion, making it one of the evening's most moving moments.
"So Long, Farewell" (Festival Reprise)
The children reprise their famous farewell during the Salzburg Festival before the family's dramatic escape.
Finale
With help from the nuns, the von Trapps evade Nazi soldiers and begin their journey toward freedom.
The final image, accompanied by Rodgers' soaring orchestral score, leaves audiences inspired rather than merely entertained.
Performance Highlights
Cayleigh Capaldi is a delightful Maria. Rather than imitating Julie Andrews, she brings warmth, humor, sincerity, and youthful energy to the role. Her chemistry with both the children and Kevin Earley feels natural and genuine.
Kevin Earley gives perhaps the production's finest dramatic performance. His Captain begins as rigid and emotionally distant but gradually reveals compassion, vulnerability, and quiet heroism. His rendition of "Edelweiss" is worth the price of admission alone.
Tony nominee Christiane Noll is magnificent as the Mother Abbess. Her authority, compassion, and vocal power culminate in a thrilling "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," which routinely earns one of the biggest ovations of the evening.
The seven young actors portraying the von Trapp children perform with remarkable confidence and individuality. Rather than blending together, each child develops a distinct personality, making the family's transformation especially believable.
Nicholas Rodriguez and Kate Loprest provide welcome sophistication and comic relief as Max Detweiler and Elsa Schraeder. At the same time, Ariana Ferch and Ian Coursey bring youthful charm—and increasing dramatic tension—to the relationship between Liesl and Rolf.
Final Thoughts
The current Broadway San Jose engagement of The Sound of Music beautifully honors one of Broadway's greatest classics. Its unforgettable score, heartfelt performances, graceful direction, and timeless story remind audiences why this musical has remained beloved for generations.
Whether you're experiencing it for the first time or returning after years of loving the film, this production offers something richer: a more nuanced portrait of Maria, a deeper understanding of Captain von Trapp's transformation, and a powerful reminder that music, love, and moral courage can endure even in the darkest of times.
If you attend this production, you'll likely leave the theater humming "Do-Re-Mi," moved by "Edelweiss," inspired by "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," and reminded why The Sound of Music remains one of the crown jewels of American musical theater.
One of my favorite songs from The Sound of Music is "My Favorite Things":
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
Brown paper packages tied up with strings—
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels,
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles,
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings—
These are a few of my favorite things.
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,
Silver-white winters that melt into springs—
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the dog bites,
When the bee stings,
When I’m feeling sad,
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad!
0 comments:
Post a Comment