For 65 years, folks have heard the hills come alive in The Sound of Music. Featuring a timeless story and memorable songs, this show has captivated audiences with its strong themes of love, resilience, and the power of music. Now this cast and crew, directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, has set out to climb every mountain and teach a new generation the notes to sing.
Written by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse with music by Rodgers and Hammerstein, The Sound of Music tells the story of Maria as she takes on the job of governess to a large family while she decides whether to become a nun. The seven children and their widowed father, Captain von Trapp, learn how to bring joy and song back into their home with Maria’s help, and eventually love blooms. Set in Austria on the eve of its annexation into Nazi Germany in 1938, the push for total cooperation of Austrian families floods the home of the von Trapps. Soon, Captain von Trapp is ordered to accept a commission from the German Navy, but he opposes the Nazis, so he and Maria decide to flee Austria with the children. Even as hard choices must be made, these characters find joy in the small moments and learn to sing with all their hearts.
The cast of this performance was full of life; each actor was well-developed in their personality, especially the von Trapp children. Every scene they were in was brimming with happiness, and no child overshadowed another. The singing was also spectacular across the board, always full of feeling and emotion while still being able to project and articulate.
Cayleigh Capaldi delivered a beautiful performance as Maria; from her wide-eyed joy singing with the children to the inner conflict she faced in the abbey, she was the picture of happiness and feminine strength. Kevin Earley encompassed the stern yet protective Captain von Trapp and did a wonderful job shedding the captain’s firm and cold personality to become a loving father and husband as the play progressed. Kate Loprest as von Trapp’s socialite fiancée, Elsa Schrader, and Nicholas Rodriguez as impressario and family friend Max Detweiler brought laughter to the stage. Ariana Ferch as daughter Liesl was incredibly poised and graceful, gliding across the stage with elegance during “Sixteen Going On Seventeen.” Christiane Noll stunned as the Mother Abbess, a beautiful representation of peace and strength, and a guiding force throughout the show. All the children were wonderful in “Do-Re-Mi” and the reprise of “So Long, Farewell,” where everyone had to sing as if all is well while the Nazi flag flies behind them — a testament to the actors’ ability to act within the acting.
The orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Marro, bolstered every scene and song. The lighting designed by Natasha Katz was beautiful and atmospheric, and did a wonderful job with the abbey, capturing the ambiance of a sacred place.
The Sound of Music is a cherished musical that remains timeless in its themes and iconic in its songs, and is here in DC on national tour to enchant a new generation. This story serves as a beautiful reminder to find joy and camaraderie in hard times, and to stick with what you believe, no matter the cost.
Running time: Two hours and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
The Sound of Music on national tour plays through October 5, 2025, in the Opera House at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC. Purchase tickets ($49–$225) online, through TodayTix, or by calling (202) 467-4600 or toll-free at (800) 444-1324. Box office hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 am-9 pm, and Sunday 12 pm-9 pm.
A limited number of Rush tickets will be available for every performance at the Kennedy Center Box Office the day of the performance. $39 for Sunday evening through Thursdays and $49 for Fridays through Sunday matinees. Rush tickets become available 2 hours prior to each performance, with the exception of availability starting at 12 p.m. for Sunday matinees. Tickets are subject to availability and have no guaranteed location.
The program for The Sound of Music is online here.
