The holiday season carries warm family traditions. I remember watching the movie The Sound of Music every year at home every December. We would cheerfully sing along while it played on our living room television. No surprise that the musical version has entertained fans globally for many years but the iconic story of the von Trapp family has been given a refresh as it lands in Toronto just in time for the holiday season!
The beloved Rogers & Hammerstein musical has been given a refresh while still keeping true to the original storyline and the songs we cherish. With themes that are grounded in compassion, hope, resilience and love, The Sound of Music continues to climb and conquer mountains to this day.
I was surprised to learn the original movie musical starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer first came out in 1965 marking this year as the 60th anniversary! Inspired by the true-life events of the von Trapp family this story continues to be one of the most cherished of all time.
The Sound of Music Storyline
While I was chatting about the production I surprised at how many hadn’t seen previous productions or the original movie. Not that you need to but I was itching to talk to someone, anyone, about how this was brilliantly balanced between expectations and surprises. So, let’s start at the very beginning (it’s a very good place to start)…
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Austrian Alps in the late 1930s, the story follows Maria —a spirited postulant on the verge of taking her solemn vows with the Catholic church. With no experience, she is sent to become governess for the von Trapp family of seven children. The widowed father Georg von Trapp, a Navy Captain — and goes by “Captain”, expects the household to run like a tight ship. Void of emotion he even summons his staff, and children, not by name but by whistle calls.
When inexperienced Maria arrives at the estate from a nearby abbey, her free-spirited nature disrupts the family’s ridged life. Through music, compassion, and a little bit of courage, she forms a bond with he children and helps the family rediscover joy and connection, even as the world around them begins to change.
Meanwhile, political tension across Europe at the time was rising. Austria was on the verge of becoming annexed by Nazi Germany. Captain was not in support of the regime taking over his beloved homeland. At the same time, he unexpectedly falls in love with Maria much to the surprise of everyone…except for one observant daughter.
The Von Trapp family bond grew stronger but amidst the political turmoil they decide to flee the country to protect their freedom. But all eyes were on him and his family. The escape had to be carefully planned.
Current touring production in Toronto
This refreshed version continues to share the warm and nostalgic memories from my childhood. While it all feels very familiar, it’s not the same but in a very good way! The storytelling in the latest Sound of Music musical production offers a breath of fresh air, just like Maria herself!
While keeping the most iconic elements for fans there is more wit in the dialogue offering more fluidity in the storyline. It feels more fun and relaxed than previous productions.
Of course, the casting has much to do with the energy on stage. Cayleigh Capaldi‘s charm and ease as a Maria brings a freshness in role that offers a stronger personality in the character. The kids casted as the von Trapp children really have captured the essence of the ones that we know from the original film. And they still give us those warm and fuzzy feelings with scene stealing moments.
Christiane Noll who plays Mother Abbess delivers the most powerful and moving songs to this production. Her strength reminds us that there is a higher calling and purpose for each and every one of us.
The comical characters Elsa Schraeder (Kate Loprest) and Max Detweiler (Nicholas Rodrigues) offers entertaining moments. Elsa is the potential new wife for Captain and Max is his confidante. It was fun to see how this version of The Sound of Music intertwined their lives with the Von Trapp’s.
Some noticeable updates on this production of The Sound of Music include a few extra new songs along side all-time favourites. Clever and observant middle child Brigitta (Haddie Mac) is given more witty dialogue. The escape act isn’t as heavy as in the past.
They’ve definitely done something good here! Whether you’re a fan of the Sound of Music or just being introduced for the first time, this musical brings all the joy. It is still one of my favourite things to see during the holiday season.
The Sound of Music National Tour directed by Jack O”Brien, is in Toronto at the Princess of Wales Theatre until January 4, 2026. For more information visit mirvish.com
But I want to know…when is the singalong?
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*Lead in photo: (on staircase) Cayleigh Capaldi (Maria Rainer) with the von Trapp Children (l to r) Haddie Mac (Brigitta), Luciana VanDette (Gretl), Benjamin Stasiek (Kurt), Ruby Caramore (Marta), Ava Davis (Louisa), Eli Vander Griend (Friedrich), Ariana Ferch (Liesl) in The Sound of Music. Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel.
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