The local favorite leading man talks about his new role on the national tour and the value for young actors of finding their footing in the theater here.
From Signature Theatre’s upcoming take on Fiddler on the Roof, to the smashing revival of Damn Yankees! at Arena Stage, not to mention the highly anticipated Hello Dolly! at Olney Theatre Center, DC enters a new golden age of musical theater this fall. Some theatergoers might remember a similar moment like this in years past when the Kennedy Center presented the Jack O’Brien–directed national tour of The Sound of Music in 2016. Six years earlier, Arena Stage presented its now-acclaimed production of Oklahoma! (plus Light in the Piazza that same year, My Fair Lady in 2012, and Carousel in 2016).
DC audiences love a classic musical; there is no doubt. But someone always needs to steer the ship. One thing each of the musical revivals mentioned above had in common was their virtuosic leading man, Nicholas Rodriguez. After a brief hiatus in New York, Rodriguez returns to the DC stage this fall with The Sound of Music, now playing at the Kennedy Center through October 5.
Rodriguez played the role of Captain Georg von Trapp when O’Brien’s version of the musical premiered at the Kennedy Center in 2017. DC Theater Arts reported: “His heartfelt and teary singing of ‘Edelweiss’ as he is preparing to flee his beloved Austria will move you to tears.” The actor moves slightly out of the spotlight in this version of the tour, taking on the supporting role of Max Detweiler, or “Uncle Max,” a role made famous in the film version of the musical by actor Richard Haydn. However, in the musical version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, the character of Max is significantly more fleshed out than in the film, and even sings two songs: “No Way to Stop It” and “How Can Love Survive.”
Almost a decade has passed since the then-lead theater critic of The Washington Post, Peter Marks, rightly referred to Rodriguez as “the nicest guy in show business.” But the sentiment is still true today. This gifted yet humble performer can certainly prove his talent on stage, but, as many know, it’s those behind-the-scenes interactions that matter most. Rodriguez spoke with DC Theater Artsabout his work on the national tour of The Sound of Music, stepping into this brand new role, and how valuable it can be for a young actor to find their footing in the theatrical communities of Washington, DC. Here’s what he said:
DC is proud to be the first stop on this national tour. What excites you most about bringing The Sound of Music home to Washington, DC?
Washington, DC, has always felt like a second home to me. Over the past 16 years, I’ve had the joy of performing here and building meaningful friendships and connections. The audiences are incredibly smart, loyal, and deeply passionate about theater. Being able to open The Sound of Music in DC — especially in this new role — is both exciting and daunting. There’s a special kind of energy and responsibility that comes with launching a new production at the Kennedy Center, but I can’t wait to share this story with DC and with the country, alongside this incredible cast.
For many younger audiences, this might be their first Broadway show. How does that make you feel?
It’s thrilling — and a little humbling! You always remember your first time. I vividly remember the shows that first sparked my love of theater, so the idea that The Sound of Music might be that moment for someone else is really special. This story is so full of heart, music, and meaning — it’s the perfect introduction to the magic of live theater for all generations of theatergoers.
What do you think makes The Sound of Music resonate with so many people? Do you have any early, or otherwise personal, memories of this musical?
It’s timeless. Beyond the beautiful music, it speaks to themes of love, faith, family, and courage in the face of political unrest — all of which still resonate deeply today. Growing up, my family watched the movie every year. But truthfully, I never imagined I’d be part of it — because I didn’t see anyone who looked like me in the cast, which is one of the reasons it means so much to be here now, telling this story in my own way.
From Billy Bigelow in Carousel to Captain von Trapp to Curly in Oklahoma! — playing a leading man comes with a lot of responsibility! How do you bring your own self into these classic musical theater roles, and what do you do to ensure the characters are truly your own?
I always try to start with authenticity — who I am, and what my experiences bring to the table.
That’s why playing Max now, after having played Captain von Trapp eight years ago at the Kennedy Center, is a totally different challenge. Jack O’Brien, our director, has encouraged me and challenged me to go deeper and find a Max who reflects my voice and experiences — someone who’s still true to the script, but also surprising and fresh. Max may be different from Curly, Billy, and Georg, but my hope is that he is authentically Nicholas.
What advice would you give to a young actor trying to break into the theater industry in DC or elsewhere?
Be authentic, be prepared, and be kind. Work on your craft constantly, but also invest in relationships. The theater world is built on collaboration, and being someone others want to work with is just as important as talent. And don’t be afraid to bring your full self to the table — even if you don’t see someone like you on the stage yet. Get involved! There are so many theaters of all types in the DC area looking for talent on and off stage.
Finally, what are some of your “favorite things” about the DC theater community?
Oh, where do I start? This is one of the most inclusive communities I’ve ever been a part of. It’s truly a family. Some of the best friends in my life come from working in DC. We look out for each other and lift each other up. I can’t wait to see some of these other amazing actors at Arena, Signature, Round House, and other theaters while I’m here, and more importantly, getting together at night after our shows! There’s a genuine love for theater in this town — it’s not just entertainment; it’s part of the cultural fabric. I love how supportive the community is, both for local talent and those of us from out of town. It feels like coming home every time I perform here.
Rodriguez is joined on stage at the Kennedy Center by Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria Rainer, Kevin Early as Captain Georg von Trapp, Kate Loprest as the Baroness Elsa Schrader, and Christiane Noll as Mother Abbess. I would be remiss not to also mention the talented cast of young actors playing the seven von Trapp children: Ariana Ferch, Eli Vander Griend, Ava Davis, Benjamin Stasiek, Haddie Mac, Ruby Caramore, and Luciana Vandette.
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.
SEE ALSO:
Timeless ‘Sound of Music’ on tour at Kennedy Center climbs every mountain (review by Isabella Artino, September 15, 2025)